Equatorial Guinea reject gender cheating claims

Anonma was outstanding for Equatorial Guinea in the AWC

Equatorial Guinea striker Genoveva Anonma has rejected claims that they fielded male players in this month's African Women's Championship in South Africa.

The Germany-based player was part of the team that helped their country to reach two successive finals of the continental tournament.

The 21-year-old is among three players in the squad accused of being men but insists she is female.

"I first heard these accusations back in 2006 and 2008," said Anonma, who plays for Jena in the women's Bundesliga.

"I have already been (gender) tested, which I find offensive.

"These accusations come because I am fast and strong, but I know that I am definitely a woman!"

Anonma's club president at Jena, Marcus Etzel, backed the player.

"It's completely absurd. Of course Genoveva is a woman and we are very happy she plays for us," Etzel said.

Anonma was responding to accusations that her team fielded male players in last week's all-Africa final, when Nigeria beat defending champions Equatorial Guinea 4-2.

The team from Guinea won the 2008 title.

Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have both qualified for the women's World Cup next year in Germany, from June 26 to July 17, but the Nigerians have accused their opponents of fielding "at least two men".

Three players are under suspicion are sisters Salimata Simpore, 23, who scored in the final, and Biliguisa Simpore, 25, as well as Anonma.

Nigeria, Ghana and South African have all complained about the issue.

"Just as they did in 2008, Equatorial Guinea played with at least two men," said Nigeria coach Eucharia Uche.

"The African union (Caf) must act immediately. If everything blows up next year in Germany, this could be terribly embarrassing for Africa."

The strength and speed of the trio have made their opponents suspicious.

"You only need to have physical contact with them on the pitch to know they are men," said Ghana defender Diana Amkomah.