Immediately after Burkina Faso sealed their place in the AFCON final, where they will face Nigeria, officials from their football federation, lodged an appeal with the Confederations of African Football (CAF), to look into the sending off of Jonathan Pitroipa in the match.
The 26-year-old was given his marching orders in the second half of extra-time by Slim Jedidi, after he went down in the box. The Tunisian decided that the former Hamburg playmaker had dived to win a penalty and flashed a second yellow card.
Gualbert Kabore, the Stallions’ director, told AFP that it was an unjust decision and they will fight tooth and nail to ensure he plays against the Super Eagles.
“We lodged an appeal immediately after the match,” Kabore said. “Our FA’s secretary general sent a fax to Caf within two hours after the game according to the regulations. The referee’s decision was outrageous. We are confident of a favourable outcome and Pitroipa would be able to play the final,” he said.
“We will fight and do everything within the rules and regulations to bring justice.”
Sunday’s game will be the country’s first appearance in the final of the AFCON and they have already lost another key player, Alain Traore to injury.
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