The 2021 AFCON match between Tunisia and Mali was thrown into chaos in the closing stages, with referee Janny Sikazwe blowing for full-time before the 90 minutes were up twice.
Sikazwe, from Zambia, first blew the final whistle with 85 minutes on the clock, only to return to the field to play out the closing stages.
But, after sending off a Tunisia player, he then ended the game for a second time with the clock still yet to clock 90.
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The Mali players were called back onto the pitch more than half an hour after the full-time whistle was blown, with suggestions they would be required to play out the final three minutes of the game after the error.
But the result was confirmed when Tunisia did not return to the field.
The late chaos capped off a game full of drama at the continental tournament, with both teams being awarded a penalty and Mali substitute El Bilal Toure being shown a straight red card.
8 Comments
The officiating by the Zambian referee was very disgraceful and a sad commentary for African football. Referee Sikazwe from Zambia needs to be suspended for his show of shame in the Tunisia versus Mali game.
I was embarrassed for Africa. Tomorrow someone will open mouth and say FIFA is being racist for not using African referees in World Cup.
I’m curious to know how long he has been a Caf referee.
@ jones, always do ypur research well, the same referee was once suspended by caf only or your fifa to lift the ban after two months. A link to read
Suspended by caf for corruption and ban lifted by fifa after two months
I am sure he took bribe from someone. He should be investigated and if found wanting, he should be jailed.
I watched the match the red card was for a Malian player not a Tunisian..
Aside the ending of the match at the 89th which is approximately 90 mins, because it was just 10 secs to 90 mins, the referee did great.. both sides had a penalty , Mali converted theirs but Tunisia wasted their own.
Mali was the better team and deserve the 3 points.. Tunisia who initially demanded that they play the remaining 10 secs plus added time refused to come back to the pitch when their demand was granted, so why did they ask for it in the first place.
This north Africa teams are bad losers like Egypt yesterday looking for penalty when they didn’t deserve to get one
Let’s stop the criticism, I understand but anyone can have a bad day in the office is it Becos this one is public? You don’t know what he is going through psychologically. He has handled world cup matches, caf finals, club world cup etc. Let’s encourage our own. Nigeria ref hasn’t risen to his height before. Let’s not kill the spirit if the afcon. Up naija.