10-man Mali edge Tunisia 1-0 in AFCON 2021 group F opener
Ibrahim Kone converted a penalty n the early part of first half to give Mali a lead against Tunisia in their Africa Cup of Nations group F opening match on Wednesday.
Carthage Eagles coach Mondher Kebaier and his technical staff rushed onto the field at full-time after referee Janny Sikazwe failed to add any injury time.
The second half saw two stoppages for video assistant referee checks, as well as a drinks break.
Ibrahima Kone’s penalty won it, with Mali keeper Ibrahim Mounkoro later saving a spot-kick from Wahbi Khazri.
There had already been confusion in the Limbe Stadium as Sikazwe had appeared to blow his full-time whistle with five minutes remaining.
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.
Sikazwe had taken time at the VAR monitor before awarding Tunisia a penalty after Khazri’s cross flicked the hand of Moussa Djenepo, with over two minutes elapsing between the incident and the ball being placed on the spot.
