Ghana 1 - 1 Guinea
African Nations Cup 2012 group stage · 2012-02-01 Referee: Daniel Bennett

Not bad but not excellent

Very good approach

Bennett approach was really good. He appeared calm on the pitch at the beginning and he was able to recognize immediatly a foul after only 20 seconds. Then, just two minutes later, he had to show the first card: totally correct, Ghana player committed foul on the opponent when the ball was already away. Very good decision, Bennett had the match under control. Player respected his decision. At 20', the second card of the match was for a Guinea player who disturbed a free kick, standing in front of the opponent. It was right and a stupid card.

Assistants and disallowed goal

Assistants were almost perfect: in first half Siwela had 2 calls to do and both were correct. Furthermore, the most important call was the disallowed Guinea goal at 25'. Yeo saw well: offside. Perfect. At the end of the match, during the additional time, Yeo raised the flag, reporting a foul that was the last card of the match. Correct decision, in this situation, Bennett was far.

Bah double yellow and red

Bah got the first card after 4 minutes in second half, it was correct, a foul without any chance to reach the ball. Then, the second cards a few minutes later was for a similar foul. I think it was a correct sending off.

Penalty?

In first half, at 39', Ghana complained for a penalty. It is a difficult situation to read. The player moved the ball forward, then he clashed against the opponent. Or maybe was the opponent to obstruct him? I would choose the first explanation. To give a penalty, I think we have to see a clear foul. However, Bennett was far and he decided to not whistle.

Match difficulty and final thoughts

It was not a so difficult match, but neither a easy one. The coefficient could be 7. Bennett is a good referee, but he can improve. In my opinion, he has to stay closer to actions, observing more carefully what is happening on the pitch. Basically, he has a good foul detection and he gives the right cards. Maybe we will see him in a knocout stage match. It's early to talk about the final.

← Back to Daniel Bennett