CAF Reacts On Controversial AFCON 2021 Clash Between Mali And Tunisia

The Confederation of African (CAF) football has released a statement on the football match between Mali vs Tunisia on Wednesday January 12, which had a controversial ending.

 

Recall that the match which 1-0 in favour of Mali, triggered controversies after the Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe ended the game with only 85 minutes played.

 

In a statement released on its official website, CAF said it is forwarding necessary reports to competent bodies within the confederation.

 

The statement read;

 

 “About the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations match between Tunisia and Mali played in Limbe on 12 January 2022, CAF is gathering all the necessary reports from the officials at the match.

“CAF is forwarding these documents to the competent bodies of CAF.

“At this stage, CAF is not in a position to make further comment until the responsible bodies indicate the way forward.”

 

Truetells Nigeria had also reported that Tunisia launched an appeal to CAF to replay their Africa Cup of Nations Group F match against Mali.

 

The Zambian official first blew the final whistle after just 85 minutes before restarting play for four minutes, but blew again with just 89 minutes and 43 seconds of the clash gone before 90 minutes.

 

Mali coach Mohamed Magassouba’s post-match press conference was later interrupted as it was announced the final three minutes of the game would be played. About 40 minutes later the Mali players and officials returned to the pitch but the Tunisian players refused as they had reportedly already had their ice baths.

 

Tunisia’s refusal to return to play the remainder of the game led to Sikazwe blowing his whistle once again to call off the match, meaning the 1-0 victory for Mali will stand.

 

In the aftermath, Tunisia coach Mondher Kebaier slammed the decision as ‘inexplicable’ and the nation have now called for the game to be replayed, according to beIN SPORTS.

 

Should the 1-0 result stand, Mali will be in a strong position to advance into the knockout stages of the competition for the second tournament running.