Accra Lions defender Baba Salifu Apiiga has voiced his frustration, claiming his team was unfairly treated by referee James Taylor following their narrow defeat against Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League.
The Lions, who finished second last season, fell 1-0 to the Porcupine Warriors at the Obuasi Len Clay Sports Stadium on Sunday. A solitary goal from striker Albert Amoah secured the win for the record league holders in this matchday five encounter.
After the game, the 17-year-old left-back expressed his dissatisfaction, particularly regarding a disallowed goal that he believes should have counted. “I don’t see it as a defeat because we played very well against Kotoko. Again, I don’t understand why the referee disallowed our goal against them,” Apiiga stated.
When asked if he believed the referee influenced the game’s outcome, he emphatically replied, “Yes! That’s how I see it.”
Apiiga further lamented the painful nature of the defeat, stating, “It’s painful to play and lose unfairly like this. The referee cheated us and made Kotoko carry the day.”
Currently, Accra Lions are struggling in the league, having lost three, drawn one, and won one of their five matches.
They sit 14th on the league table and will be looking to bounce back when they host Berekum Chelsea at the University of Ghana Stadium for matchday six of the campaign.