Senegalese referee to handle Ghana-Lesotho clash

World soccer governing body, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has appointed Senegalese referee Diatta Badara to handle Friday’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Ghana's Black Stars against the crocodiles of Lesotho at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.

Badara, 41, is the most experienced referee in Senegal and has officiated at the last five editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.


A teacher by profession, Badara also handled the Ghana-Botswana clash at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, which the Stars won by a lone goal courtesy skipper John Mensah. He was at the helm of affairs during the final match between Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire, which the former won on penalties.


On November 15, 2009, the Senegalese officiated the Ghana-Mali 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kumasi, which ended 2-2. Prior to that, he was in the middle as the Stars white-washed the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 3-0 on June 20, 2004 in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier also in Kumasi.

Information gathered by GNA Sports indicates that Badara will be assisted by compatriot Camara Djibril and Rwandan Kabanda Felicien. Gueye Daouda, also of Senegal will serve as the fourth official.


Kenyan Titus Kasuve will act as the Match Commissioner with former Algerian referee Mohammed Guezzaz as the fourth official.**