World Cup: Ghana FA Heads Report Referee Ismail Elfath to FIFA Over Penalty Decision

• Portugal defeated the Black Stars of Ghana 3-2 on Thursday night, 24 November, in their opening game in Qatar
• The Ghanaian FA have reported referee Elfath Ismail to FIFA for the penalty he gave Portugal for their first goal
• Those in charge of all football activities in Ghana want the American referee to be suspended

Ghanaian Football Association chiefs have frowned at the officiating of referee Ismail Elfath in their defeat against Portugal on Thursday night, 24 November, and have reported the American to FIFA.

The Black Stars started their campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup on a losing note as they were defeated 3-2 by Portugal in a match Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first goal via a penalty.

Mohammed Salisu was adjudged to have fouled Ronaldo in the 18-yard box in the 63rd minute which led to Elfath awarding a penalty to Portugal.

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Ghana players protested heavily against the decision with the Africans telling the referee to check the VAR, but the 40-year-old ignored their prayers.

Ronaldo stepped forward to convert the penalty and gave Portugal the lead in the 65th minute.

Ghana restored parity in the 73rd minute through Andre Ayew, but five minutes later, Felix netted Portugal's second goal before Leao made it 3-1 in the 80th minute.

The Black Stars fought back at the death as Osman Bukari scored, but they failed to get another one as Portugal held on for the win.

What is the FA's complaint?

According to the report on Ghanasoccernet, the FA heads are of the view that the referee killed the morale of their players with the penalty given to Portugal.

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The report added that Ghana FA heads want the American to be suspended.

Ghana captain Andre Ayew scores

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Andre Ayew became the first player to score a goal for an African nation at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Black Stars captain connected to a Mohammed Kudus pass, to level the score line in Ghana's Group H opener against Portugal.

Ronaldo had scored the opener from the spot for the 2016 European champions, before the Al Sadd forward levelled ten minutes later.

Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco and Cameroon had all failed to score in their opening games, with the African champions losing their opener to the Netherlands.

Ayew has now netted three goals at the World Cup, making his third appearance at the global stage.