The AFCON last 16 clash between Equatorial Guinea and Guinea saw a red card shown for a ridiculous kung-fu kick that ‘Bruce Lee would be proud of’
Federico Bikoro kung-fu tackle
Federico Bikoro was sent off for a kung-fu tackle
AFCON ace Federico Bikoro was sent off for a kung-fu kick that ‘Bruce Lee would be proud of’.
Bikoro was given his marching orders ten minutes into the second half for a wild kung-fu kick as his Equatorial Guinea side were beaten 1-0 by Guinea via a 98th minute winner at the end of added time in the round of 16 clash.
The Club African midfielder let his frustrations get the better of him as he planted his studs onto the chest of the eventual match-winner Mohamed Bayo. Bikoro pounced on a loose touch from Bayo as he smashed the ball away up-field, but it was his follow-through that landed him in hot water.
His left foot continued in the motion of his clearance as his studs made contact with the chest of the Le Harve striker. Bikoro’s attempts to leave one on his opponent didn’t fool anyone, especially the referee, who brandished a straight red card despite some pointless complaints from the 27-year-old.
The commentator watching the game couldn’t believe the virtual assault from Bikoro, comparing him to legendary martial artist and actor Brue Lee, saying: “He followed through rather nastily there, catching Bayo in the rib cage and with some force as well. Bruce Lee might have been proud of that one.”
Bikoro red card tackle
Bikoro’s challenge was a shocker from every angle
Fans also couldn’t fathom the challenge from Bikoro, that saw his leg planted on Bayo in line with his own nose. One comment on Twitter said: “Straight outta Tai Chi”, second wrote: “I love this tournament man propa entertainment”. A third added: “His favourite player growing up was definitely Nigel de Jong”, while another quipped: “He went for the ball(s)!!”
Bikoro’s tackle had shades of De Jong’s infamous karate kick challenge on Xabi Alonso in the 2010 World Cup final. The former Manchester City midfielder studded the Spaniard in the chest but somehow was only shown a yellow card by referee Howard Webb.
Netherlands’ midfielder Nigel de Jong (R) fouls Spain’s midfielder Xabi Alonso (C) with a kick to the stomach as Netherlands’ midfielder Mark van Bommel (L) looks on during the 2010 World Cup football final between the Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010 at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, suburban Johannesburg
Bikoro’s tackle had shade of Nigel de Jong
Guinea finished third in their group containing Senegal and Cameroon, qualifying as one of the four best-placed third teams. They will go through to play the winner of Egypt and the DR Congo in the quarter-final.
