Ghana should’ve had more penalties – Andre Ayew

Ghana captain André Ayew has dismissed suggestions that his side unduly benefitted from a controversial penalty decision during Sunday’s victory over South Africa.

Ghana advanced to the next round of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the expense of South Africa on Sunday after a controversial penalty decision ultimately earned the Black Stars a narrow 1-0 win over Bafana Bafana in Accra.

Milovan Rajevac’s outfit came into the match three points behind South Africa in the Group G standings but knew that a win by any margin would be enough to secure Ghana’s progression to the final round of qualifiers.

The West African giants were awarded an early opportunity to make that happen after Rushine De Reuck was controversially adjudged to have fouled Daniel Amartey in the box by Sengalese referee Maguette Ndiaye.

Replays suggested there was minimal contact but, with no Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the decision stood and Ayew duly converted the resultant spot-kick by sending Ronwen Williams the wrong way.

At the post-match conference, Andre Ayew said, “It was a clear penalty on [Amartey]. In fact, we had chances to get more penalties and should have been given two more.”

“I think we had more clear chances. Yes, it was a tough game but we won this game fair and square. We could have scored more,” he added.

The narrow victory has qualified Ghana to the playoff round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers with the draw expected in December.