20101122
africanews

Equatorial Guinea striker Genoveva Anonma 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," Anonma, who plays for Jena in the women's Bundesliga said in a BBC report. "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.