Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe took centre stage during the opening Group F Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) match between Tunisia and Mali in Limbe, Cameroon, yesterday.
With Mali leading by a goal and Tunisia desperate for an equaliser, Sikazwe drew gasps as he blew the final whistle with five minutes remaining. He was then corrected by outraged Tunisians and restarted the match. But the referee courted even more controversy by ending the game on 89 minutes, with no added time, triggering a mid-pitch melee of protests from the North Africans. This time, however, the referee had the final word as the match ended with the Malians, who had been down to 10-men, holding on to their 1-0 lead.
Sikazwe's decision to end the game prematurely seemed curious given that there were several stoppages in the second half, including two VAR checks and cooling breaks, which would have necessitated for more time to be added at the end.
But as it was, Mali went on to win following an Ibrahim Kone second-half penalty to make a great start in this competition.
It remains to be seen what actions CAF will take against Sikazwe following that controversial incident as Tunisia would feel they were cheated. In an attempt to save face, CAF apparently ordered the final three minutes be played, but Tunisia players decided not to take the field in protest.
Tunisia and Mali each have cases for being considered among contenders for outright glory and both were eyeing a perfect start in their Group F.
But it was Mali, who made an impressive start by dominating possessions in the first half but failed to create decent scoring opportunities.
The tempo of the match was slow in the opening half despite Mali dominating possessions. Tunisia were struggling a bit and could not make a few passes together in the opening half.
Despite dominating in the opening half, Mali failed to create a decent scoring opportunity and they went to the interval goalless.
Mali pressure finally paid off as Kone gave his country a lead immediately after the restart from a spot-kick to make it 1-0.
Mali could have increased the lead a few minutes later had they been clinical in front of goals but failed to convert their chances.
Tunisia had the chance to equalise from the spot-kick, but Wahbi Khazri’s effort was saved by Ibrahim Mounkoro with 15 minutes remaining.
Shock as ref ends match prematurely, twice
Tunisians fume but Mali hang on for controversial win
Image: Mohamed Abd El Ghany
Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe took centre stage during the opening Group F Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) match between Tunisia and Mali in Limbe, Cameroon, yesterday.
With Mali leading by a goal and Tunisia desperate for an equaliser, Sikazwe drew gasps as he blew the final whistle with five minutes remaining. He was then corrected by outraged Tunisians and restarted the match. But the referee courted even more controversy by ending the game on 89 minutes, with no added time, triggering a mid-pitch melee of protests from the North Africans. This time, however, the referee had the final word as the match ended with the Malians, who had been down to 10-men, holding on to their 1-0 lead.
Sikazwe's decision to end the game prematurely seemed curious given that there were several stoppages in the second half, including two VAR checks and cooling breaks, which would have necessitated for more time to be added at the end.
But as it was, Mali went on to win following an Ibrahim Kone second-half penalty to make a great start in this competition.
It remains to be seen what actions CAF will take against Sikazwe following that controversial incident as Tunisia would feel they were cheated. In an attempt to save face, CAF apparently ordered the final three minutes be played, but Tunisia players decided not to take the field in protest.
Tunisia and Mali each have cases for being considered among contenders for outright glory and both were eyeing a perfect start in their Group F.
But it was Mali, who made an impressive start by dominating possessions in the first half but failed to create decent scoring opportunities.
The tempo of the match was slow in the opening half despite Mali dominating possessions. Tunisia were struggling a bit and could not make a few passes together in the opening half.
Despite dominating in the opening half, Mali failed to create a decent scoring opportunity and they went to the interval goalless.
Mali pressure finally paid off as Kone gave his country a lead immediately after the restart from a spot-kick to make it 1-0.
Mali could have increased the lead a few minutes later had they been clinical in front of goals but failed to convert their chances.
Tunisia had the chance to equalise from the spot-kick, but Wahbi Khazri’s effort was saved by Ibrahim Mounkoro with 15 minutes remaining.
Max-Alain Gradel’s goal gives Ivory Coast 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea
Boupendza earns Gabon win over debutants Comoros
Lone Kelechi strike claims massive win for Eagles
SA flavour in Afcon clash between heavyweights Egypt and Nigeria
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Related articles
Latest Videos