AFCON referee hospitalised after controversial officiating

Referee Janny Sikazwe was taken to hospital following chaotic scenes in Mali’s victory over Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday afternoon, as reported by French newspaper L’Equipe.

Zambian official Sikazwe was the subject of huge controversy after blowing the final whistle early not once but twice in the group stage fixture. He first blew up in the 85th minute, prompting outrage from both teams, before the game resumed for four more minutes and was called to a close again before the clock had hit 90 minutes.

Chaos and confusion followed, as CAF officials instructed the teams to go back out and complete the game. Mali, who were 1-0 up, went back out to play, but Tunisia did not follow. It is thought the Tunisian side feel entitled to a re-match due to the fact the game wasn’t completed, and therefore refused to undermine their own claim by finishing the game.

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Amid these chaotic scenes, Janny Sikazwe was taken to hospital having suffered from sunstroke – which could explain his baffling decision-making.

It would also explain why the fourth official was set to take charge of the remaining minutes of the match, had it been resumed.

Sikazwe was previously suspended under allegations of corruption in 2018, due to the manner in which he handled a CAF Champions League match between Espérance Sportive de Tunis of Tunisia and Primiero Agosto of Angola.

“The chairman of the CAF Disciplinary Board decides that there is good ground to hold a hearing regarding allegations of corruption made against Mr Janny Sikazwe,” read the ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Board.