Pitch Invader Sentenced to 100 Days in Prison After Disrupting Ghana vs. Chad Match

A 21-year-old fan, Mohammed Huzeinu, has been sentenced to 100 days in prison by an Accra District Court for invading the pitch during Ghana’s World Cup qualifier against Chad on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium. Huzeinu’s actions caused a disruption during the match, which could have severe financial consequences for the Ghana Football Association (GFA), as international football governing bodies impose fines of at least $10,000 for such incidents. The GFA has since reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on pitch invasions, emphasizing the importance of discipline and compliance with matchday regulations. The young fan rushed onto the pitch in an attempt to embrace Ghanaian striker Antoine Semenyo, leading to a moment of chaos. Security personnel swiftly intervened, removing him from the field before he was arrested and detained at the Ministries Police Station until his court appearance. This latest breach marks the fifth pitch invasion at a Black Stars match in five years, raising concerns about stadium security and its impact on Ghana’s football reputation. The country has previously faced fines for similar incidents during AFCON qualifiers against South Africa and Angola. Authorities hope that Huzeinu’s prison sentence will serve as a deterrent to other fans, reinforcing the need for order and security during national team matches. By Najat Adamu