Tunisia – Mali: Sikazwe Underwhelms In The Clash Of Two Eagles

The Eagles of Mali defeated Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles 1-0 on January 12 in Limbe, in Group F of the African Nations Cup (AFCON 2021).

Talked about as probably the dark horses coming into the tournament, Mali showed great heart to leapfrog Tunisia, though under controversial circumstances.

There was more to the story as the Tunisians missed a penalty at the 77th minute.

Kazhri, guilty of missing the penalty, couldn’t claw back into the game – with teammates, despite Mali’s reduction to 10 – men, at the 87th minute.

Tunisia turned furious at referee Janny Sikazwe’s refereeing. The Zambian stopped the game before the end of regular playing time. More than 40 minutes after the final whistle, the match almost resumed but the Carthage Eagles did not return to the pitch.

Mali’s lone goal was netted by Ibrahima Traore.

Janny Sikazwe was at the center of controversy in the encounter and caused gigantic, negative reactions.

After whistling for the end of the game in the 85th minute and changing his mind, he did it again and ended in the 89th minute, not taking into consideration several minutes of stoppages in play.

Sikazwe who has already officiated in several AFCON finals then left the pitch under escort, having been followed by the angry Tunisian team and their staff. He didn’t come back 40 minutes later when – there was an even bigger surprise!

The game almost re-started again. But the Tunisians, furious at this rare scenario, did not appear on the pitch.

The referee appointed to replace Janny Sikazwe ultimately had nothing to do, rather than send Mali back to the locker room.