CELTIC star Michel-Ange Balikwisha has been caught up in a bizarre ‘witchcraft’ row following a World Cup play-off between Nigeria and DR Congo on Sunday.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle accused DR Congo of “doing voodoo” after the Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes were dashed.
They lost their Confederation of African Football (CAF) final 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
Celtic winger Balikwisha came off the bench to make his international debut for DR Congo and scored in the shootout.
Former Rangers star Calvin Bassey missed his spotkick for Nigeria.
DR Congo advance to the inter-continental play-offs in March, with New Caledonia and Bolivia as well as Asian and Concacaf representatives.
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Tempers boiled over after Sunday’s match with Nigeria manager Chelle confronting DR Congo’s staff after Chancel Mbemba’s winning penalty.
DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre played down the incident, saying it was “not an issue“, but Chelle did not let it slide.
Speaking in French at his post-match press conference, he said: “DR Congo guys were doing maraboutage.”
It refers to a practice commonly associated with witchcraft in North and West African history.
Former Mali international Chelle later added: “During all of the penalties, the guy from Congo was doing voodoo. Every time.
“I don’t know if it was water or something else, but he was tossing it in the air.”
DR Congo have denied the claims, The Athletic report.
Videos from behind the touchline show Chelle picking up a water bottle in his technical area and confronting opposing staff with his arms spread wide.
He had to be restrained on the touchline before the final penalty, but rushed to the DR Congo bench after his side’s fate was sealed.
A group of people held Chelle back as he lost his temper.
Nigeria had gone ahead early through Frank Onyeka‘s deflected effort but DR Congo equalised through Meschack Elia.
The game went to penalties and saw the AFCON holders dumped out.
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Hibs star Rocky Bushiri also plays for DR Congo but stayed on the bench for Sunday’s clash.
Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho missed out for Nigeria through injury.
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