The South African Football Association (Safa) will lodge a formal complaint to both Fifa and Caf to investigate the performance of the match officials during Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 loss to Ghana in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
Senegalese Referee Ndiaye Maguette was at the centre of controversy when he awarded a dubious penalty to Ghana in the first half which Andre Ayew converted, sending Ghana to the playoff round.
Safa Chief Executive Officer Tebogo Motlanthe confirmed that the association would be taking further action with football’s governing bodies.
“The association has decided to lodge a formal complaint so that the conduct of the match officials is closely investigated by both Fifa and Caf. But we will be having a press conference that will be telling the nation what will happen going forward,” Motlanthe said.
In September 2017, FIFA ordered Bafana to replay their World Cup qualifier against Senegal after referee Joseph Lamptey was banned for also awarding a dubious penalty.
Senegal beat South Africa and progressed to the tournament in Russia the following year.
“This is why we will get an expert, who will dissect what are the incidents so we can make a strong case. FIFA set a precedent by ordering us to replay Senegal. If justice needs to be served then the same decision will be taken for this Ghana game,” the SAFE CEO added.
“The players have represented the country with distinction, and the travelling was not the easiest. I am pleading with the nation to keep supporting the team as we challenge this decision.”
