An independent inquiry is being demanded into the violence which marred the
African women's soccer cup final.
Nigeria were awarded the trophy after crowd trouble forced their match
against the hosts South Africa to be abandoned.

South African sports minister Ngconde Balfour has called for action after
the game at the Vosloorus Stadium was halted with 18 minutes left and the
visitors 2-0 up.

Balfour said in a statement: "I will recommend to the South African Football
Association that an independent inquiry should be instituted immediately."

He added that the Vosloorus Stadium should "not be used for international
matches until the full results of the inquiry are made known".
The chaos erupted after striker Stella Mbachu scored Nigeria's second goal,
which many South African fans wrongly believed was offside.

Bottles, stones and bricks were thrown at Kenyan assistant referee Pamela
Ochieng.

Missiles were also hurled at the Nigerian players and scuffles broke out
between Nigerian and South African supporters, causing some of the
25,000-strong crowd to stampede for the exit.

There were three attempts to restart the game and several calls for the
crowd to behave.

But the missiles continued to rain down on the pitch, nearly hitting some of
the Nigerian players, and officials were forced to call off the game.

Tear gas

Several people were slightly injured in the violence and some had to be
treated in hospital, according to reports.

Several journalists were also slightly hurt, with cars attacked as they left
the stadium.

Police fired tear gas and warning shots in an attempt to control the crowd,
who stoned a police vehicle, reports said.
The City Press newspaper reported that Nigerians said they were targeted by
South Africans.

"It was a sad day in African history to see black brothers and sisters
attacking innocent fellow Africans," said Ekene Mbakwe, who was treated in
hospital for a wound to the head.

Ismail Bhamjee, of the Confederation of African Football, which organised
the tournament, said the matter would be investigated.

A report will be submitted to the South African Football Association.

SAFA president Molefi Olifant said: "It is very dissappointing. Our people
must learn to accept defeat, no matter what."

Balfour said those behind the chaos would "feel the full might of the law."

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