Maxwell Konadu swats aside Senegal claims of bias officiating in Wafu Cup final

Maxwell Konadu

Ghana coach Maxwell Konadu has brushed off complaints by Senegal that the referee aided their defeat in the final of the 2013 Wafu Nations Cup on Thursday.

His opposite number Joseph Francois Koto complained bitterly about the performance of Liberian referee Jerry Yekeh and had to be sent into the stands.

Senegal, who went into the clash with a 100 percent winning record, were off colour and suffered a 3-1 defeat.

First, the home-based Lions of Terranga claimed Ghana's second goal scorer Abdul Latif Mohammed was in an offside position.

But television replays proved otherwise and the Senegalese also took issue with the third goal which was a penalty.

Centre-back Chiekh Wade had contact with striker Sulley Mohammed who had burst into the box.

“I don't know what their problem was. Initially we thought it wasn't going well for us as well. I just don't want accusing referees here and there,” Konadu said in a post-match interview.

“Even the match we lost we had a big problem with officiating but I just decided not to talk about that.

“This referee did much better. I think he was the same referee who handled that match we lost. But today I think he was fair I must say.

“I think they complained of the second goal but for me it was a goal mouth melee.

“The ball just got to the player and he nodded it in so I don't think they have to complain too much.

“I think at the end of the day, the best team has won and they should accept it in good faith.”