One of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) pitches has descended into chaos on Tuesday after a referee blew the final whistle of a match at 89th minutes.
Gatekeepers News reports that one of AFCON 2021 pitches has turned to a chaotic scene after a referee blew the final whistle of Mali – Tunisia clash at 89th minute.
The game which ended 1-0 in favour of Mali, saw official Janny Sikazwe blow the final whistle after just 85 minutes before restarting play. He, however, blew again at just 89 minutes and 43 seconds of the Group F clash gone.
His mistake drew a furious reaction from Tunisia’s bench, with head coach Mondher Kebaier furiously grabbing the arm of the Zambian referee and pointing to his watch in the immediate aftermath of the full-time whistle.
Kebaier’s backroom staff later joined in the protest, with the head coach confronting one of the linesmen to complain about the game being brought to a premature end with his side losing 1-0.
Sikazwe, who refereed at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and his two officials at the Limbe Stadium in Cameroon were surrounded by security to shield them from the angry Tunisia staff.
Mali coach Mohamed Magassouba’s post-match press conference was later interrupted, with Confederation of African Football officials barging in and declaring that the match would be restarted to play out the final three minutes.
Fans were then seen filing back into the stands as the officials discussed the shocking situation on the touchline.
In a final dramatic twist, Tunisia appeared to refuse to come out to play the remainder of the game,
Although the Zambian official and Mali did wait for them on the pitch, Tunisia appeared to refuse to come out to play the remainder of the game in a final dramatic twist.
Referee Sikazwe then blew his whistle once again to call off the match, meaning the 1-0 victory for Mali will stand.
