The Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe caused a scandal with bizarre decisions in the preliminary round of the Africa Cup of Nations match between fellow favorites Tunisia and Mali.
The 42-year-old referee whistled twice for the game in Group F - and both times too early.
First he blew in the 86th minute when the score was 1-0 for Mali in his whistle, noticed his mistake after protests from the Tunisian side, apologized and let the ball continue with a ball.
The final whistle of the match in Limbe, Cameroon came after 89:45 minutes and was still too early.
This time the entire Tunisian delegation was furious, coach Mondher Kebaier frantically waved his watch around in front of the officials' noses.
The referee team had to leave the field under the protection of security guards in the face of the anger of the "Eagles of Carthage".
About half an hour later, the press conference was already in full swing, the game appeared to be resumed.
The Malians with Bundesliga professionals Amadou Haidara from RB Leipzig and Diadie Samassekou (TSG Hoffenheim) returned to the field to play the last seconds of regular time and possible stoppage time.
However, the Tunisians with Cologne's Ellyes Skhiri stayed in the cabin, which could indicate a protest.
The only goal of the less than 90 minutes was scored by Mali's center forward Ibrahima Kone with a 48th-minute penalty.
Tunisia's captain Wahbi Khazri failed in his team's opening game from the penalty spot (77th).
“In 30 years in this business, I've never seen anything like it,” said Tunisia coach Kebaier: “His decision is inexplicable.
We'll see what happens now. ”When the order came to return to the field, his players were“ already in the ice baths ”.
Sikazwe is nominated for the fifth time for the Africa championship, he was also at the 2018 World Cup and headed two preliminary round matches in Russia.
It's not the first time he's been the focus of controversy.
Sikazwe was once suspended after a game in the African Champions League on suspicion of corruption, as stated in the CAF announcement at the time.
However, the suspension was lifted due to a lack of evidence.