adminBATA. — Equatorial Guinea’s football federation has been fined US$100 000 for the crowd violence that marred the host country’s loss to Ghana in the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations.
The Confederation of African Football also said yesterday that at least 36 people were hurt in Thursday night’s violence, and 14 were taken to a hospital.
Caf also said that the team would have to play a game behind closed doors should there be any repeat of the incident.
That means fans will attend Equatorial Guinea’s third-place play-off match against DRC today.
Caf said in a statement yesterday that “14 fans were transferred to hospital units for further investigations. One case requires close monitoring”.
The match at Malabo Stadium in the north of the country was halted on 82 minutes after Ghana fans massed behind a goal as they tried to evade missiles being thrown at them by home supporters.
Police moved in and tried to restore order using batons and firing tear gears, and a helicopter hovered over the stadium.
After a delay of more than 30 minutes the match resumed for three minutes and Ghana completed a 3-0 win.
Home fans threw objects at Ghanaian fans, players and officials in ugly scenes at Malabo Stadium.
The game was held up for over 30 minutes in the second half as riot police fired tear gas at the angry supporters.
Caf also ordered Equatorial Guinea’s federation to pay for treatment for all those injured in the violence.
Meanwhile, After their 3-1 loss at the hands of Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-finals, Democratic Republic of Congo will hope to wrap their 2015 CAF African Cup of Nations campaign by finishing third.
They face hosts Equatorial Guinea in the battle for third place tonight.
Nevertheless, Florent Ibenge’s side will be motivated after beating the odds and managing to finish as number two in Group B behind Tunisia with three points, and in the quarter-finals, they did fairly well as they defeated neighbours Congo 4-2.
Led by their influential goalkeeper, Robert Kidiaba, the TP Mazembe man has been solid at the back for the Leopards and has expressed disappointment after their loss against Herve Renard’s men.
“We are very disappointed as we really had faith, Côte d’Ivoire had three chances and they scored and us we had many opportunities that we didn’t put in,” said Kidiaba.
“I am really proud to have competed at the 30th edition of the Afcon, it was my first semi-final.
“I have a lot of regrets because I wanted to lead my team into the final even if it’s not over yet.”
On the other hand, the hosts are set to go all out and fight to erase their 3-0 disappointing defeat against Avram Grant’s men in the semis by at least finishing as number three.
The match gets underway at Estadio de Malabo at 6pm and the winner is set to walk away with the bronze medal. — AFP.
Online Reporter