Scandal: Did Gabon cheat against Burkina Faso in 2015?

A simple interview, and suddenly the story takes on national proportions. Didier Ovono, the iconic former captain of Gabon's Panthers, has made explosive claims about alleged match-fixing during a Gabon–Burkina Faso clash in 2015.

His statements, widely shared on social media, stunned a section of the public:

We played Gabon–Burkina, you know Africa is Africa. We cheat. The referee blows in our favor, home refereeing and we beat them 2-0. I was the captain. The referee gave us instructions.

According to him, the man with the whistle favored the Panthers by awarding two penalties, while verbally distancing himself: "I can't score for you."

The Federation firmly denies

The Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) was quick to respond. In a statement released on Tuesday, the organization categorically denied any allegations of match-fixing. After checking the archives, they clarified that the only 2-0 win against Burkina Faso outside the final tournament dates back to October 11, 2014, in Libreville, as part of the 2015 AFCON qualifiers. On that day, both goals were scored in open play by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang:

No match ended with a victory secured by two penalties. This fact contradicts Mr. Ovono's statements.

FEGAFOOT also expressed its astonishment at these remarks, coming from a former captain who had until now been regarded as a respected figure in Gabonese football.

Didier Ovono has probably underestimated the impact of his words on public opinion.

The Federation now reserves the right to refer the matter to the relevant authorities, while assuring that these statements will not disrupt the calm within the national team, currently in training camp in Morocco.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr