Referee in Controversial World Cup Play Off Between Algeria and Cameroon Finally Break Silence

• Referee Bakary Gasama has finally reacted to the controversial game between Algeria and Cameroon in Algiers last month
• The Gambian referee officiated the World Cup play-off second-leg between the Desert Foxes and the Indomitable Lions
• Cameroon left it late to secure a ticket to the World Cup after beating Algeria in Algiers to progress on the away goal rule

Referee Bakary Gassama has finally broken his silence after the controversial World Cup play-off between the Algeria and Cameroon in Algiers.

The Gambian referee had to make several tough calls as Cameroon left it late to defeat Algeria in front of their fans and qualify for the World Cup.

After the match, the Algerian Football Federation sent a request to FIFA for replay, stating the performance of the referee was unsatisfactory.

In an interview with Gambian news outlet The Standard, Papa Gassama said he is unfazed with criticisms from the Algeria Football Federation.

AS Roma Teen Sends Positive Message to Ghanaians After World Cup draw

Football

"If they win you are the good referee and if they lose they label you as the bad referee,” he said.

Despite the huge backlash he suffered after the Algeria versus Cameroon game, Papa Bakary Gassama is one of the eight referees from Africa selected for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

“The nomination alone is a plus for the Gambia and I’m very happy with it and the final list will be out in June," he added.

Meanwhile, FIFA is looking into the World Cup play-off, but it is unlikely there will be a replay as Cameroon make it Group G of the Qatar 2022, where they will face Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland.

Algeria request replay of match against Cameroon

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Algeria have become the second team to approach FIFA, requesting a rematch of their World Cup qualifier.

Ghana legend takes a swipe at former Black Stars coach for claiming the team lost to Portugal in 2014 because of money

Football

Egypt first announced their intention to approach FIFA requesting a replay, as they were unhappy with the hostile environment in which the second leg was contested against Senegal.

Algeria have now also requested a rematch, asking FIFA that their game against Cameroon be replayed due to the referee’s decisions during the game, KickOff reported.