Put angry about ´ridiculous´ refereeing

Burkina Faso coach Paul Put was delighted with his side’s Africa Cup of Nations win over Ghana but slammed referee Slim Jedidi.

The semi-final in Nelspruit on Wednesday finished locked at 1-1, but Burkina Faso advanced to the final courtesy of a 3-2 victory in the penalty shootout.

Daouda Diakite’s penalty save from Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu brought an end to a controversial and entertaining encounter.

Put will be without Jonathan Pitroipa for Sunday’s final against Nigeria after his sending off, and the Belgian was unhappy with Jedidi’s performance.

“I’m very happy with this victory. Very happy that we made it to the finals where I think the best player of the day was the referee,” he said.

“We played at a very great level although I was feeling ashamed because it had been made clear that Burkina may not play the final.

“Also with the second yellow card for Pitroipa, it’s more ridiculous, so I don’t understand.”

Burkina Faso were denied what looked like an early penalty before Ghana were awarded a soft spot-kick on 13 minutes, with Wakaso Mubarak converting.

Jedidi also ruled out a Burkina Faso goal in extra time while Pitroipa was shown his second yellow card in the 117th minute for simulation, despite appearing to be brought down.

Put said Pitroipa would be a big loss for his side against Nigeria in Johannesburg.

“I think we will see that, if you miss Pitroipa, it can affect our performances in this tournament,” he said.

“But I thought also from the beginning we are with 23 players in Nelspruit so we have to do everything possible and now it’s on other players.

“I think it’s up to the coach to find the good situation of the team and then we will see and maybe Charles Kabore will be my best goalscorer. It’s possible, so we will see.”