Ghana protest Rabiu's expulsion

From Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Egypt, (Courtesy, Ministry of Youth and Sports)

Ismailia, Oct. 4, GNA - Ghana has appealed against a 74th- minute red card decision by referee Ivan Bebek against Rabiu Mohammed, when the Black Satellites played Uruguay in a last Group D game at the Ismailia Stadium on Friday.

The referee sent off Rabiu after what appeared to be a mild challenge in the middle but Ghana is relying on the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) to overturn the decision after television replay showed no contact was made between the two players. A communiqu=E9 pieced together by Ghana and chanced upon by GNA Sports, which includes recorded version of the said tackle that gave birth to the red card, was sent to FIFA less than 24 hours of the game that the Satellites relinquished a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2. As it stands, the creative midfielder will miss the team's knockout game with South Africa on Tuesday but a contrary decision from FIFA will come in handy for Ghana.

Rabiu sent Ghana ahead in 53rd minute when the player picked a ball from right flank, dribbled his way through shredding off challenges from two defenders, took a dummy and cap it with a beautiful goal that sealed an individualist effort.

But 22 minutes on, the creative midfielder had a sad end to an otherwise good day when a lame tackle earned him a red card that was to deplete Ghana's midfield.

Rabiu broke down when he exited the pitch in an obvious dismay to what might have influenced referee Bebek decision. Ghana struggled after the player's exit and conceded two late goals to give the South Americans a point, which they celebrated like a win.