Amputee soccer match descends into big brawl as crutches are used as weapons
The Amputee African Cup of Nations final descended into chaos as irate players swung crutches like weapons in a jaw-dropping melee.
Chaos erupted moments after the final whistle blew, with Ghana clinching victory over Morocco to snatch the coveted cup. A spat between two players seemed to light the fuse for the mayhem, prompting a flurry of others to join the fracas.
Even team officials got stuck in, with some players opting to wield their crutches as makeshift clubs. The event’s organisers steered clear of the ruckus, instead focusing on setting up the stage for the impending trophy presentation.
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The exact words exchanged that sparked off the clash remain a mystery, but by the time the trophy was hoisted, tempers had simmered down. Post-match, Ghana’s gaffer Stephen Richard Obeng couldn’t hide his elation, saying: “We feel very proud.”
“The God we trusted made it happen. We’re champions in Africa for the third time in two years. Despite the challenges we went through, we did it,” reports the Mirror.
What do you think of the scenes in the Amputee African Cup of Nations final? Let us know in the comments section
(Image: Twitter)
“It is a massive motivation to everybody that you might not have the support you need but you can go beyond the odds and make it happen.”
Ghana’s youth and sports minister Mustapha Ussif also chimed in on the triumph, tweeting: “Congratulations to the Black Challenge for defending their title at the African Amputee Football Cup of Nations!
“Your determination and skill have once again made Ghana proud. Kudos to the entire team for this remarkable victory!”
Ghana’s journey in the final didn’t start off smoothly as they were 1-0 down to Morocco early on, until Mohammed Mubarak levelled the score from the penalty spot.
Mubarak then doubled his tally with a second goal in extra-time, securing the title for Ghana. This victory allows Ghana to defend their title and secure a place at the Amputee Football World Cup in 2026.
The World Cup is set to be held in Panama. Ghana’s recent performance was near flawless, winning all three group games, netting 11 goals and only conceding once.
Their impressive form carried into the knockout stages, thrashing Tanzania 4-1 in the quarter-finals and cruising past Algeria 3-0. In other news from the Amputee AFCON, Algeria clinched third place in their playoff against Nigeria.
Raouf Ouchene, Lotfi Belkaid and Aboubakr Zaidi all scored after Nigeria had initially taken the lead through Yusuf Isa’s own goal.
