AFCON: Trivial refereeing plunges the Nations Cup into a farce

The African National Cup turned into a farce on Wednesday when Malik defeated Tunisia 1-0 in a match that was stopped early by the referee, only to try to restart the match later until the Tunisians refused to regain the pitch.

Experienced Zambian official Janny Sikazwe, who was in charge of the 2017 National Cup final, initially blew his final whistle in the 85th minute after Limbe’s timing went wrong. But then, after playing, he repeated the mistake when he blew it all the time, before the clock struck 90 minutes again.

Tunisia was furious and officials entered the field in protest, but handed out the match cap and post-match press conferences were in full swing before the African Football Confederation (CAF) officials decided to play four more minutes. Mali returned to the field 40 minutes into the match, but Tunisia refused to play and Sikazwe finished the match for the third time.

“The players were taking ice baths for 35 minutes before being called back outside,” Tunisian coach Mondher Kebaier told reporters.

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“I’ve been training for a long time and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The match was also a story of two penalties, as Mali striker Ibrahima Kone turned it into his attempt, but Tunisian Wahbi Khazri was unable to continue his effort as goalkeeper Ibrahima Mounkoro saved 13 minutes of time. Sikazwe ousted Mali’s striker El Bilal Toure, who arrived largely late, making a seemingly tough decision to take on a challenge.

The Gambia beat Mauritania

Gambia made their debut for Mali in Group F after winning their first match of the semi-finals, beating Mauritania 1-0.

The second game of the Limbe double header started 45 minutes late due to a previous farce, the delay did not interfere with Gambia, who advanced 10 minutes later when Ablie Jallow scored from the edge of the penalty area.

Gambia could have won by more goals but Babacar Diop’s stern goalkeeper denied it.

Also on Wednesday, Ivory Coast beat Equatorial Guinea as expected in Douala, but with only one goal.

Captain Max-Alain Gradel scored in the sixth minute and increased the number of quality long-range shots in the tournament.

On Thursday, Cameroon’s hosts could advance to the last 16 if they win Ethiopia in Yaounde, followed by Burkina Faso against Cape Verde at Olembe Stadium.