Mali vs. Tunisia: Hannibal Mejbri Jokes About Officiating at CAN 2025
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming clash between Mali and Tunisia in the CAN 2025 round of 16, Hannibal Mejbri took a moment to inject humor into the atmosphere. The Tunisian midfielder made a light-hearted comment regarding officiating, eliciting both laughter and a reminder of a previous contentious incident.
Mejbri’s Humor Stirs Nostalgia
During an interaction in the mixed zone, Mejbri remarked, “Let’s hope the referee doesn’t blow the whistle in the 85th minute.” This statement was a direct jab at a notorious event from the CAN 2021 tournament, where officiating decisions caused significant controversy.
The Infamous CAN 2021 Incident
Mejbri’s comment revived memories of the match between Tunisia and Mali, which ended under perplexing circumstances. In that encounter, Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe, who has since retired, prematurely blew the full-time whistle in the 85th minute. The match was eventually concluded at 89:45, leaving players and fans in disbelief.
Sikazwe later explained that extreme weather played a role in his decision-making, stating, “It was extremely hot, with terrible humidity over 80%. Even during my warm-up, it was tough.”
Looking Ahead: Mali vs. Tunisia
As both teams prepare for their crucial match, the focus will be firmly on the game itself, overshadowing past officiating issues. The players are set to engage in a high-stakes battle, aiming for victory in this critical tournament stage.
- Event: Mali vs. Tunisia, CAN 2025 Round of 16
- Key Player: Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)
- Previous Incident: CAN 2021 match controversy
- Referee: Janny Sikazwe (Zambia, retired)
- Weather Conditions: Humidity over 80%
With Mejbri’s humorous remark reminding everyone of the past, fans and players alike will hope for a smooth match this time around, free from controversy or confusion.
