By 
There was controversy in the 2021 African Cup Nation group stages fixture between Tunisia and Mali as the Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe blew the final whistle early twice.
Sikazwe first blew the full-time in the 85th minute of the match before he was exhorted to carry on.
With 11 second before the 90-mimute mark, the Zambian referee ended the game which led to the protests from the Tunisian Coaching staff, questioning the referee’s decision to end the game prematurely.
Before that though, Sikazwe sent off Malian striker El Bilal Toure after an innocuous-looking challenge in the 87th minute.
At the time of the final whistle, Mali were holding a 1-0 lead after Ibrahima Koné converted from the spot just after the break.
Tunisia had a penalty of their own in 77th minute but was missed by experience skipper Wahbi Khazri.
Sikazwe is one of the top referees in Africa, having officiated the 2017 AFCON final between Cameroon and Egypt and two games at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
In 2018, he was suspended by CAF amid corruption allegations following a CAF Champions League game between Esperance and Primiero Agosto.
