The player at the centre of the controversy in Ashgold’s win over Inter Allies has claimed he was congratulated by the technical team of his side, Inter Allies, for scoring two own goals in the game.
Hashmin Musah netted two own goals in the space of four minutes, with 12 minutes to play in Allies’ final match of the season against Ashgold.
Ashgold ran out 7-0 winners to finish in ninth place but claims of match-fixing have since marred the result.
Musah has since said his technical team commended him for his actions after the game.
“After the game, my technical team commended me for spoiling the bet they had staked,” he said.
I promised my coach that if he allows me to play from the bench I will spoil the bet. And after the game, my team congratulated me.”
The player also justified his actions, stating in an interview with Kumasi FM that he put the ball past his own goalkeeper twice to ruin an apparent bet that had been made prior to the game, predicting a 5-1 scoreline.
He said his actions were a result of his derision for gambling.
“I heard it in our hotel that a bet had been made for a correct scoreline of 5 goals to 1 against my club Inter Allies.
“I decided to spoil that bet because I don’t condone betting,” he is quoted as having said in the interview.
Amid suggestions of match-fixing, the Ghana Football Association has launched an investigation into the incident and have notified the police to commence a criminal probe as well.
Ashgold have also issued a statement, denying the claims, insisting that their players were professional during the game.