AFCON 2013: Egyptian referee who gave Zambia dubious penalty against Nigeria to be expelled

Grisha Ghead, the Egyptian referee, who denied Nigeria their first victory at the ongoing AFCON 2013, by awarding Zambia a controversial 85th minute spot-kick, has been expelled from the tournament.

A report published on Goal.com this evening read:
“Egyptian referee Grisha Ghead, who officiated the controversial second Group C match between defending champions Zambia and Nigeria on Friday, may be dismissed from the Africa Nations Cup by the Confederation of Africa Football (Caf) as a result of poor officiating, Goal.com has learnt.

Ghead gave Zambia a controversial penalty late in the game which ensured that the match ended 1-1. The Nigeria Football Federation lodged a complaint with Caf after the match.

Goal.com learnt that Caf president Issa Hayatou assured Nigeria’s minister of sport Bolaji Abdullahi that prompt action has been taken against the referee and that the official will be sent home.

Caf is yet to react officially.

The last Group C matches are now expected to generate great concern to Caf as they have prepared to monitor the two matches alongside the other groups to forestall a repeat of such scandalous mistakes and biases as alleged by the NFF.”

The Super Eagles of Nigeria need a win against Ethiopia, to qualify to the next round of the competition.