The Beitar Jerusalem player said poor officiating at Africa’s flagship football tournament could mar the beauty of the game and also help reward an underserving champion.

The 28-year-old could earn a start against the Panthers after failing to play against Morocco in the opening fixture in Group C.

Speaking ahead of the Gabon encounter, Boakye-Yiadom said his side were ready to respect referee decisions but noted that the officiating must not favour a particular team.

“Officiating is very important in football and I think it is something that must be looked at the AFCON to prevent decisions from favouring particular teams in the end,” he said.

“Such poor officiating usually determine the outcome of games which shouldn’t be so and I believe if we really want to see a deserving winner of the AFCON, then referee decisions must be intact.

“We are ready to respect the decisions of the referee in our matches but it won’t be fair to be cheated in favour of other teams.”

Ghana are looking to kick-start their AFCON campaign when they take on Gabon in their second Group C clash at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde tomorrow.

The Black Stars are placed bottom in the group behind leaders Gabon, Morocco who won their first matches respectively.