MYGHANAMEDIA.COM Best Source Of Latest News
Mali’s 1-0 win over Tunisia saw referee Janny Sikazwe twice blow his whistle for full-time before the 90th minute in a bizarre and controversial end to the Afcon group-stage clash.
Zambian official Sikazwe initially blew his whistle to indicate the end of the match in the 85h minute, before play resumed after the error only for Sikazwe to again blow before the 90th minute.
The game finished after the second mistake, with around 17 seconds of normal time still on the clock, sparking outrage from Tunisia’s players and coaching staff, who were attempting to overturn a 1-0 deficit.
FULL-TIME #TeamTunisia 0-1 #TeamMali
Ibrahima Kone gifts Mali their first three points in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 👏#AFCON2021 | #TUNMLI pic.twitter.com/yktQCTWPZ6
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 12, 2022
Watch as ref blows for FT too early (UK & US users only)
What’s happened?
There was huge controversy in the Afcon group-stage fixture between Mali and Tunisia, with Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe at the center of all the drama.
Sikazwe blew for full-time before the 90th minute on two occasions, the second time to officially signal the end of the match despite there being around 17 seconds of normal time remaining.
There was also the potential for stoppage time to be added, with VAR checks having taken place, as well as a red card being issued and two penalties being awarded.
Will the game be replayed?
There were suggestions that the final minutes of the match would be resumed, despite the game having ended and the players having left the field.
Mali coach Mohamed Magassouba had been holding a post-match press conference before it was reportedly interrupted as CAF officials contemplated the scenario of a resumption.
Indeed, around 20 minutes after full-time the Mali players reemerged onto the pitch at Limbe Stadium and were willing to see out what was left on the clock.
Tunisia reportedly refused, however, with the game officially ending as a 1-0 win for Mali.
What’s been the reaction?
Mali coach Magassouba told reporters: “I told the players that we can only control what is on the pitch. Off the pitch, that’s up to the administrators.
“When we were told to go back out and play, the players were more than willing. Unfortunately, our opponents didn’t want to come out.”
Tunisia manager Mondher Kebaier gave his version of events, adding: “It’s very tough to manage non-sporting affairs.
“At the 85th minute, he (Sikazwe) blows the final whistle. Again at the 89th minute. There was supposed to be seven-eight minutes of additional time. His decision is inexplicable.
“The players were taking ice baths for 35 minutes before they were called back out again. I’ve been coaching for a long time and have never seen anything like it. Even the fourth referee was preparing to lift the board [to show the additional time added] and then the whistle was blown.”
Bad refereeing can happen anywhere across the world. It’s not just an African problem. #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/f60kMXaA2I
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) January 12, 2022
Sikazwe banned in 2018
Sikazwe, who also refereed at the 2018 World Cup, saw his officiating called into question during a Caf Champions League semi-final clash between Tunisian side Esperance and Angolan club Primeiro Agosto.
Esperance would win the game 4-2, with Sikazwe awarding a controversial penalty to the hosts before he later disallowed an Agosto goal.
A statement from Caf that was released at the time read: “The chairman of the Caf disciplinary board decides that there is good ground to hold a hearing regarding allegations of corruption made against Mr. Janny Sikazwe.
“Mr. Janny Sikazwe is provisionally suspended from all football activities related to Caf pending a hearing before Caf Disciplinary Board.”
The suspension took effect in November 2018 but FIFA later made the decision to lift the sanction in January 2019.
Source: Goal
Send your news stories to myghanamedia@gmail.com and Chat with us via WhatsApp on +233 200818719
