2021 AFCON: Chaos as Referee Ends Tunisia Clash With Mali Prematurely

Contretemps as it related to time-keeping has marred group ‘F’ tie between Tunisia and Mali in the African Cup of Nations on Wednesday, 13th.

The Zambian referee, Janny Sikazwe has been a catalyst for the argle-bargle by blowing final whistle twice, prior to the regular 90-minute full time.

The 43-year-old had incorrectly called for full-time in the 85th minute before another whistle indicating the end of match was blown several seconds before 90 minutes.

That has however, brought about a serious protests from Tunisian angry players and staff.

In the same match, Toure E from Mali was also sent off after having been shown a red card in the 87th minute.

Kone I, from Mali scored the single goal in the match few minutes into the second half.

However, Tunisia football association has filed an official complaint about the poor officiating.

Aside that, was a request for the match to be played again, Tunisia media reports can confirm.

Also Read: 2021 AFCON: Prize money For Winners, Runners-up, Semi-Finalist, Quarter-Finalist Revealed

According to the media reports:  “The players were taking ice baths for 35 minutes before they were called back out again,” Tunisia’s coach, Mondher Kebaier, said. “I’ve been coaching for a long time [and] never seen anything like it.”

“Even the fourth official was preparing to lift the board [to show how many minutes of injury time] and then the whistle was blown … The referee’s decision is inexplicable; I can’t understand how he reached it. We’ll see what comes of it.”

Meanwhile, Mali are so far unbeaten against Eagles of Carthage at the Africa Cup of Nations, with a 2-0 win in 1994 and a 1-1 tie in 2019 before yesterday’s 1-0 triumph.

Mohamed Magassouba’s men will then be clashing against Gambia on Sunday when Tunisia will also be taking on Mauritania.