Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe has come under the spotlight after ending a game between Mali and Tunisia before 90 minutes at the ongoing 2021 AFCON.
The match official made a series of contentious decisions as Mali recorded a 1-0 win over the North African side on Wednesday afternoon.
At the culmination of a packed second half, which saw two stoppages for video assistant referee checks as well as a drinks break and several substitutions, Sikazwe became the centre of attention.
The Zambian had appeared to blow his full-time whistle with five minutes remaining, before checking his timings and continuing the game.
Then he signalled the end of the match in the 90th minute before adding on any additional time for stoppages.
Kebaier and his staff angrily confronted the Zambian official and his assistants on the pitch, pointing to their watches and remonstrating about the lack of added time.
The officials were given an escort off the pitch by stadium security as the Malians celebrated with the fans, but the controversy did not end there.
Over 20 minutes later the Malian side ventured back onto the field for the game to restart, but were awarded the victory after the North Africans failed to emerge.
Here are some reactions after referee Sikazwe’s disaster-class
Referee Janny Sikazwe's game by numbers during #TeamTunisia 0-1 #TeamMali
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 12, 2022
28 fouls awarded
4 yellow cards
2 penalties awarded
2 early full-time whistles
1 red card
Incredible scenes. ????#AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/uF6mZIJpM3
