28 May 2024 , 10:42
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The Amputee African Cup of Nations final descended into chaos as furious stars used crutches as batons in a shocking post-match brawl.
Ugly scenes broke out just seconds after the full-time whistle - as Ghana saw off Morocco to claim the trophy. A disagreement between two stars appeared to trigger the scenes, with a number of players then rushing in to get involved.
Staff also followed suit as some players elected to hit their opposite numbers with their own crutches. The tournament’s organisers did not get involved in the brawl - some electing to erect the staging for the resultant trophy lift.
It is unclear what was said between the two players in the build-up to the brawl but tensions appeared to have calmed down by the end of the celebrations. Ghana boss Stephen Richard Obeng said after his side’s win: “We feel very proud.
“The God we trusted made it happen. We’re champions in Africa for the third time in the space of two years. Despite the challenges we went through, we did it.
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“It is a massive motivation to everybody that you might not have the support you need but you can go beyond the odds and make it happen.”
Ghana minister of youth and sport Mustapha Ussif also gave his say on the success. He wrote on Twitter : “Congratulations to the Black Challenge for defending their title at the African Amputee Football Cup of Nations! Your determination and skill have once again made Ghana proud. Kudos to the entire team for this remarkable victory!”
A disagreement between two players appeared to trigger the brawl (Twitter)It hadn’t quite gone Ghana’s way in the final. They found themselves 1-0 down to Morocco early in the game before Mohammed Mubarak equalised from the penalty spot.
He doubled his afternoon’s work with a second strike in extra-time that sealed the title. The success sees Ghana successfully defend their title and consequently book a spot at the Amputee Football World Cup in 2026.
That tournament is due to take place in Panama. Ghana’s recent success was almost perfect. They won all three of their group games, scoring 11 and conceding just once.
Ghana’s stunning form continued in the knockouts as they beat Tanzania 4-1 in the quarter-finals and then eased past Algeria 3-0. Elsewhere at the Amputee AFCON, Algeria also sealed third spot in their playoff with Nigeria.
Raouf Ouchene, Lotfi Belkaid and Aboubakr Zaidi all found the net after Nigeria had taken the lead through Yusuf Isa’s own goal.
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