News

“Real intentional mistakes await you in Qatar” – Jay-Jay Okocha fumes at Algeria-Cameroon World Cup controversy

The Desert Warriors and Indomitable Lions have been embroiled in an ugly World Cup qualifying drama since the Central Africans edged the North Africans to the ticket to Qatar

Nigerian legend Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha has expressed displeasure at the brouhaha created by the ongoing controversy following the World Cup playoff between Algeria and Cameroon.

The Indomitable Lions secured a dramatic Qatar 2022 ticket after eliminating the north Africans on away goals with a 2-1 win after extra time in Blida on Tuesday.

Algeria appeared the favourites to advance after claiming an excellent away win in Cameroon in the first leg.

But Cameroon roared back to life on Tuesday at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s 22nd-minute strike forcing the tie into extra-time.

RKC Waalwijk star Ahmed Touba equalised for the Dessert Warriors on the night and put them ahead on aggregate in the 118th-minute. But Cameroon forward Karl Toko Ekambi scored the winner in the 124th minute to send the Lions to a record eighth appearance at the Mundial.

However, the Algeria football federation (FAF) was dissatisfied with the result, especially regarding some refereeing decisions. An Algerian goal was chalked off for offside after the referee consulted the VAR.

And the FAF has requested that the second leg of their 2022 World Cup playoff against Cameroon be replayed.

But former Super Eagles playmaker Okocha has a different opinion. The ex-PSG star believes the encounter was free of any controversy and is not impressed with Algeria’s complains and demands.

And the retired footballer, who featured at the 1994, 1998, and 2002 World Cups, has lashed at Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi for criticising referee Bakary Papa Gassama of the Gambia, who handled the tie.

And Okocha has charged African qualifiers to brace up for worse refereeing calls during the tournament proper in November.

“A coach has no right to talk about the mistakes of a referee,” Okocha said in quotes obtained from I-Frii.

“There is a structure capable of seeing better than us and sanctioning. The VAR has challenged the referee, which means that there is a fault. What are we talking about here? Where is the referee’s error?

“We all watched that same game. We saw the offsides, the heads accompanied by the hands. Maradona called it the hand of God. Nowadays, the VAR is the laser that sanctions.

“Cameroon is qualified, that’s all! If we have to talk about refereeing errors, now is not the time. A country has just lost a match on the field; then suddenly, a coach comes to worsen the thing. Organize a symposium and debate on all the things that undermine African football. But not at the dawn of the competitions!

“The real mistakes made on purpose await you at the World Cup in Qatar; where will you file your complaints?”

FIFA is unlikely to accede to the demands of the Algerians, with Cameroon expected to join Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Afcon winners Senegal as Africa’s five representatives at the 2022 World Cup.

This post was last modified on April 5, 2022 2:20 pm

Imhons Erons

View Comments

  • Everyone has a right to talk about injustice, why didn't you say the same thing about your friend Didier when he called the game of Football a disgrace. Anyway, another FIFA' puppet as he was part of the WC 2022 draw ceremony in a shiny suit.
    By the way ,don't u destiny why calling him legend, he never won a single personal trophy, always been overrated. Africa will never developed, as long as they are people willing to serve the old colonies.

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

17-year-old Nigeria-eligible defender pens professional deal with Chelsea

Teenage English sensation, Olutayo Peter Subuloye, has penned his first professional contract with two-time UEFA… Read More

28 minutes ago

Raphael Onyedika: Club Brugge boss reveals why Super Eagles star was not selected for Union Saint-Gilloise draw

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was not dressed up for Club Brugge's league game against… Read More

35 minutes ago

WATCH: Lazio star Fisayo Dele-Bashiru dances in the face of racist insults in Lecce

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru became the latest victim of racial abuse in football during Lazio’s… Read More

2 hours ago

“I am satisfied” – Home-based Super Eagles coach confident his side will seal CHAN spot

Head coach of the Super Eagles B team, Daniel Ogunmdede, has backed the home-based Nigerian… Read More

2 hours ago

“Every game is a battle” – Nigeria’s Lookman warns Lazio after firing Atalanta to Empoli win

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has warned Lazio to be ready for battle when the… Read More

3 hours ago

NPFL: Shooting Stars end ugly 20-year record against Rangers as Remo Stars, Abia Warriors record big wins

Matchday 18 games of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) were played across the country… Read More

5 hours ago