The Zambian official caused controversy as he first blew the full-time whistle in the 85th minute, before again whistling before the 90-minute mark.
Referee Janny Sikazwe of Zambia blew the final whistle twice early in the match between Tunisia and Mali in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon to spark controversy in an entertaining affair.
The game which ended after 89 minutes and 49 seconds had already been brought to a premature end by the Zambian referee when he blew for the end of proceedings in the 85th minute after which he was prompted to let play resume.
Further outrage sparked in between as Sikazwe showed a straight red card to Malian midfielder, El Bilal Toure, for a challenge that most will deem soft in the 87th minute. Despite prompts from the VAR team to review his decision, after consulting the pitchside monitor, the Zambian official stuck with his initial decision.
Here are reactions from supporters on social media after the game:
#TUNMLI 0-1 (Ibrahima Kone 48′, P)
Trying to understand how a football game was blown for FT on 85′, a #TeamMali player sent off 3 minutes later, then referee blows agains for FT on 89′ with no added time yet we had 2 VAR checks. #TeamTunisia missed a penalty#AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/o2NlZRXAkg
— Mutwiri Mutuota (@MutwiriMutuota) January 12, 2022
Appalling refereeing between match of #TeamMali vs #TeamTunisia what a disgraceful incidents #AFCON2021 doesn’t deserve this and I hope @CAF_Online will take swift actions.
— #mph (@iam_MPH01) January 12, 2022
The center Ref ends the game for the second time before 90minutes! First was at 85th and the final at 89th minute!#TeamTunisia 0:1 #TeamMali #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 #LuluaTVconnected
— Lulua T. V (@LuluaTV90) January 12, 2022
Referee Janny Sikazwe’s game by numbers during #TeamTunisia 0-1 #TeamMali
28 fouls awarded
4 yellow cards
2 penalties awarded
2 early full-time whistles
1 red cardIncredible scenes. #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/uF6mZIJpM3
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 12, 2022
Tunisia v Mali
– VAR review for a penalty, given (pen missed)
– Ref blows for full-time on 85 minutes
– Play does restart
– Player sent off
– VAR tells the ref it’s not a red
– Ref rejects the red review (it was never a red card)
– Ref blows for full time on 89.40Chaos!
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) January 12, 2022
Something very abnormal has just happened. I hope @CAF_Online will check the health condition of ref @SikazweJanny immediately.
Ending the game prematurely on 85th and 89th minute is NOT normal esp to a ref of his calibre.
89′ (FULL TIME): #TeamTunisia 0-1 #TeamMali pic.twitter.com/c3doxuOESj
— Fred Mwambu (@SportingFred) January 12, 2022
28 fouls awarded
4 yellow cards
2 penalties awarded
2 early full-time whistles
1 red cardLet’s just say Referee Janny Sikazwe got tired of the match and decided everyone should go and take an early shower.
#TeamTunisia 0-1 #TeamMali#AFCON2021 #MALZIM #AFCONexperience pic.twitter.com/szaMWoGFC4
— Iliyasu Zakari (@ziliyax) January 12, 2022
Remember the name: Janny Sikazwe!
Previously suspended by CAF for alleged corruption, he ended the #AFCON2021 match between #TeamTunisia 0-1 #TeamMali in controversial fashion.1stly he harshly sent off El Bilal Toure (Mali) for a tackle that was at best a yellow card..#TUNMLI pic.twitter.com/PhC6MY1D3y
— Osita Ndukuba (@Osita_Ndukuba) January 12, 2022
Final score: #TeamTunisia 0 – 1 #TeamMali
Officials escorted by securities.
Thoughts on the game!#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/ytwoAEwx8H— ᴍᴀʀsʜᴀʟʟs ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ᴏғ sᴘᴏʀᴛ (@World_of_Sport) January 12, 2022
The game ended with the referee needing to be escorted off the field after what was a bizarre piece of officiating especially at Africa’s showpiece tournament.
Source: Asaaseradio
