[ 2015-02-06 ]

Ghana, Eq. Guinea game was a "war zone" - GFA
The semi-final game between Ghana and Equatorial
Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations was like a
"war zone", according to the Ghana Football
Association after play was suspended for close to
30 minutes because of crowd trouble.


Players ducked bottles thrown from the stands,
Ghana fans sought safety behind a goal, riot
police used tear gas and a helicopter hovered over
the stadium.

"It's now like a war zone," the Ghana Football
Association (GFA) tweeted, claiming "barbaric acts
of vandalism" and "unprovoked violent attacks" had
taken place inside the stadium.


When play resumed, Ghana sealed a 3-0 win to reach
Sunday's final, where they will play Ivory Coast,
who beat DR Congo 3-1 on Wednesday.

Trouble flared at half-time between Ghana and
Equatorial Guinea.


Ghana players had to be protected by riot police
using plastic shields as they left the field,
already 2-0 up in the tie.

The second half was then halted eight minutes from
time when Ghana supporters sought sanctuary on the
field after coming under attack.


Confederation of African Football (Caf) officials
had used the public address system to threaten to
call off the game if the crowd did not stop
pelting Ghana's players.

Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi tried to play
down events after the game, insisting: "I don't
think this is a fair commentary of Africa.


"This has been a very successful tournament and
this isolated incident of violence will leave a
slur on the reputation of African football.


"It is very unfortunate and it doesn't deserve
that."

Nyantakyi added that he felt spectators were to
blame.

"I think fans should allow the officials to
control the game," he said.

"They thought they were wrong and every decision
they felt didn't go their way was met with some
opposition. I don't think it is fair."

Play finally resumed after many fans had left the
stadium, with both teams seeing out the final
three minutes.

Source - Starrfmonline

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