Baffoe skeptical about match-fixing

28.01.2008

Former Ghana international and tournament official, Anthony Baffoe does not believe the African Cup of Nations has been targeted by match-fixers. Benin coach Reinhard Fabisch claimed on Thursday that he was asked to manipulate the result of his side’s opening Group B match against Mali.

The German revealed he was approached by an unknown African man at Benin’s team hotel in Sekondi on Saturday, two days prior to the game with Mali, which his side lost 1-0. Namibia had also lodged a complaint with CAF claiming that they were approached by a betting syndicate to throw a match.

Namibia, already out of the tournament after defeats to Morocco (5-1) and hosts Ghana (1-0), claimed they were offered US$30 000 per player to lose their final Group A match against Guinea today. Baffoe, now the director for international relations at the tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), says he is disturbed and confused by the claims.

To be honest “I’ve never heard of something like this happening. And personally, I’ve never been approached to do such a thing, but I am surprised,” he said. Baffoe added that match-fixing was something common in African football, but insisted that the Nations Cup, being staged in his homeland this year, would be an unlikely arena for scandal.

Gyan brothers return to Black Stars

Ghana players Asamoah Gyan and Baffour Gyan decided to walk out on the Black Stars following criticism after their unconvincing 1-0 win over Namibia. It was learnt the brothers had packed their bags and were ready to leave the team hotel on Saturday but were persuaded to stay by teammates.

Asamoah, 22, was booed during Thursday’s match after missing several scoring chances for the host nation. Some local radio stations in Ghana strongly criticised him on Saturday. After hearing the sports discussion programmes, Asamoah decided to leave, and older brother Baffour joined him in solidarity. Ghana Football Association (GFA), spokesman, Randy Abbey, denied any knowledge of the issue, but two players in the Black Stars’ camp have confirmed the incident to sports journalists.

“We were shocked when we saw Asamoah and Baffour dressed up to leave the national team hotel. “Players and coaches came in and we ensured that they stayed with the team,” they said.