African player recreates 'Hand of God' moment at AFCON 2023

Muhammed Sanneh of the Gambian national team scored a handball goal against Cameroon in a match during the group stage of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the early morning of January 24.

In the injury time of the second half, Gambia had no chance of advancing but remained determined to score and challenge Cameroon. From a corner kick, Muhammed Sanneh rushed in, used his hand to push the ball into the net, and celebrated enthusiastically.

On social media, fans nicknamed Sanneh the "Maradona of Africa," as he recreated the legendary moment of the "Golden Boy" during the quarter-final of the 1986 World Cup between the Argentina national team and England.

Sanneh might have dashed Cameroon's hopes of advancing, given the absence of VAR. Faced with a fierce reaction from Cameroon players, the main referee reviewed the video, which slowed down and quickly disallowed Sanneh's goal due to his clear handball violation. Additionally, the referee, Mr. Bamlak, issued a yellow card to the Gambian player.

The match at Bouake Stadium concluded with a thrilling 3-2 victory for Cameroon. The "Indomitable Lions" rose to second place in Group C with 4 points and a goal difference of -1, tied with Guinea but ranked higher due to a higher number of goals scored. The two teams drew in their direct encounter. In this match, Andre Onana was benched after a lackluster performance against Senegal.

Meanwhile, Gambia sits at the bottom of the table with 0 points, unable to replicate their achievement of reaching the quarter-finals in the African Cup of Nations three years ago.