Saturday, 8 January 2022

2021 AFCON Referee Appointments - Mustapha Ghorbal (ALG) to officiate the opener

Referee appointments at 2021 AFCON.



09/01/2022

Group A

Cameroon vs Burkina Faso
Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
Assistant Referee 1: Etchiali Abdelhak (Algeria)
Assistant Referee 2: Mokrane Gourari (Algeria)
Fourth Official: Mahmoud El Bana Zakaria Moustafa (Egypt) Haythem Guirat (Tunisia)
Video Assistant Referee: Adil Zourak (Morocco)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Zakaria Brinsi (Morocco)

Ethiopia vs Cape Verde
Referee: Helder Martins De Carvalho (Angola)
Assistant Referee 1: Jerson Emiliano Dos Santos (Angola) Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel Abouelregal (Egypt)
Assistant Referee 2: James Fredrick Emile (Seychelles) Zakaria Brinsi (Morocco)
Fourth Official: Abid Charef Mehdi (Algeria) Haythem Guirat (Tunisia)
Video Assistant Referee: Mahmoud Mohamed Ashour (Egypt)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1:Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel Abouelregal (Egypt)  Khalil Hassani (Tunisia)

10/01/2022

Group B

Senegal vs Zimbabwe
Referee: Mario Escobar (Guatemala)
Assistant Referee 1: Oliver Safari Kabene (DR Congo)
Assistant Referee 2: Attia M. Essa Amsaaed (Libya)
Fourth Official: Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo (DR Congo)
Video Assistant Referee: Fernando Guerrero (Mexico)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee : Jermoumi Fatiha (Morocco)

Guinea vs Malawi
Referee: Daniel Nii Laryea (Ghana)
Assistant Referee 1: Seydou Tiama (Burkina Faso)
Assistant Referee 2: Samuel Pwadutakam (Nigeria)
Fourth Official: Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda)
Video Assistant Referee: Victor Miguel De Freitas Gomes (South Africa)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee : Akarkad Mostafa (Morocco)

Group C

Morocco vs Ghana
Referee: Joshua Bondo (Botswana)
Assistant Referee 1: Ibrahim Abdalla Mohammed (Sudan) Ibrahim Abdalla Mohammed (Sudan) -Hassani Khalil (Tunisia)
Assistant Referee 2: Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho)
Fourth Official: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
Video Assistant Referee: Haythem Guirat (Tunisia)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee : Hassani Khalil (Tunisia) - Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel Abouelregal (Egypt)

Comoros vs Gabon
Referee: Peter Waweru Kamaku (Kenya)
Assistant Referee 1: Gilbert Cheriyot (Kenya)
Assistant Referee 2: Frank John Komba (Tanzania)
Fourth Official: Amin Mohamed Omar (Egypt)
Video Assistant Referee: Mahmoud Mohamed Ashour (Egypt)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel Abouelregal (Egypt)

11/01/2022

Group D

Nigeria vs Egypt
Referee: Gassama Bakary Papa (Gambia)
Assistant Referee 1: Elvis Guy Noupue Nguengoue (Cameroon)
Assistant Referee 2: Arsenio Maringula (Mozambique)
Fourth Official: Sadok Selmi (Tunisia)
Video Assistant Referee: Bamlak Tessema (Ethiopia)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee : Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela (South Africa)

Sudan vs Guinea-Bissau
Referee: Issa Sy (Senegal)
Assistant Referee 1: El Hadji Malick Samba (Senegal)
Assistant Referee 2: Mahamadou Yahaya (Niger)
Fourth Official: Maguette Ndiaye (Senegal)
Video Assistant Referee: Lahlou Benbraham (Algeria)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee : Djibril Camara (Senegal)

Group E

Algeria vs Sierra Leone
Referee: Ahmad Imtehaz Heeralall (Mauritius)
Assistant Referee 1: Soulaiman Almaldine (Comoros)
Assistant Referee 2: Lionel Hasinjaosoa Andriananteain (Madagascar)
Fourth Official: Boubou Traore (Mali) Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)
Video Assistant Referee: Mahmoud El Bana Zakaria Moustafa (Egypt) Adil Zourak (Morocco)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee : Hossam Ahmed Taha Ibrahim (Egypt) Zakaria Brinssi (Morocco)

12/01/2022

Group E

Equatorial Guinea vs Ivory Coast
Referee: Redouane Jiyed (Morocco)
Assistant Referee 1: Lahcen Azgaou (Morocco)
Assistant Referee 2: Mostafa Akarkad (Morocco)
Fourth Official: Samir Guezzaz (Morocco)
Video Assistant Referee: Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee : Zakaria Brinsi (Morocco)

Group F

Tunisia vs Mali
Referee: Janny Sikazwe (Zambia)
Assistant Referee 1: Jerson Emiliano Dos Santos (Angola) Issa Yaya (Chad)
Assistant Referee 2: Issa Yaya (Chad) Liban Abdourazak Ahmed (Djibouti)
Fourth Official: Helder Martins De Carvalho (Angola)
Video Assistant Referee: Fernando Guerrero (Mexico) Adil Zourak (Morocco)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee : Mokrane Gourari (Algeria) Abdelhak Etchiali (Algeria)

Mauritania vs Gambia
Referee: Bernard Camille (Seychelles) Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
Assistant Referee 1: James Fredrick Emile (Seychelles) Sidiki Sidibé (Guinea)
Assistant Referee 2: Atezambong Fomo Carine (Cameroon)
Fourth Official: Blaise Yuven Ngwa (Cameroon) Imtehaz Heeralall (Mauritius)
Video Assistant Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee : Etchiali Abdelhak (Algeria)

178 comments:

  1. It was already clear, in my opinion at moment the referee from Algeria is among the strongest CAF names.

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  2. Exact . Ghorbal a sa place au Qatar

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  3. Ghorpal will referee in wc 2022 in Qatar

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  4. Some European appointments in Saudi Pro League

    07/01/2022

    At-Ta'awun Buraidah - Al-Hazm Ar-Rass
    Referee: Sandro Schärer (SUI)
    Assistant Referee 1: Bekim Zogaj (SUI)
    Assistant Referee 2: Jonas Erni (SUI)
    Fourth Official: Ahmad Ar-Rumaikhani (KSA)
    Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San (SUI)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Khalaf Ash-Shammari (KSA)

    Al-Ittihad Jiddah - Al-Faiha' Al-Majma'a
    Referee: Clément Turpin (FRA)
    Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Danos (FRA)
    Assistant Referee 2: Cyril Gringore (FRA)
    Fourth Official: Abdullah Al-Kharbush (KSA)
    Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard (FRA)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Yasir As-Sultan (KSA)

    08/01/2022

    Damak Khamis Mushait - An-Nasr Ar-Riyad
    Referee: Fábio José da Costa Veríssimo (POR)
    Assistant Referee 1: Pedro Nuno de Sá Martins (POR)
    Assistant Referee 2: Pedro Ricardo Ferreira Ribeiro (POR)
    Fourth Official: Abd As-Samad Bakri (KSA)
    Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard (FRA)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Muhammad Ash-Shahri (KSA)

    Al-Fath Al-Hufuf - Ar-Ra'id Buraidah
    Referee: Istvan Kovacs (ROU)
    Assistant Referee 1: Vasile Florin Marinescu (ROU)
    Assistant Referee 2: Mihai Ovidiu Artene (ROU)
    Fourth Official: Muhammad Al-Qurani (KSA)
    Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San (SUI)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ibrahim Ad-Dukhail (KSA)

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    Replies
    1. Hopefully, they will not be in Marciniak's situation from 2019, ehen his often trips there led to less efficient performances in Europe.

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    2. Marciniak situation was different, he was there every round! He had left Poland at all effects!

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    3. In Romania and in Switzerland the domestic league has not begun yet. The fact that Kovacs and Scharer has a match these days is a good thing, it is keeping them focus and fit.

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    4. Actually, Kovacs had some events in his game. 2 penalties, a red card and a non-decisive last minute goal.

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    5. Do you have videos with those moments?

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    6. I just saw the stats on Google, I don`t really know where to look for videos from Saudi League

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    7. How often does this happen? UEFA referees doing domestic games in Saudi? Does this happen with other domestic leagues from other than UEFA?

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  5. Replies
    1. By the way, wasn't Abid Charef listed as specialized VAR? Is CAF using their VARs as FOs as well or there is a change?

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  6. CAF has arranged a COVID protocol for this competition, but this seems to be against LotG. They say that as long as teams have a minimum of 11 eligible players, they must always play, and that's ok, but then they add that if a team will have less than 11 eligible players, then they will lose the game 0-2 by forfeit.
    They forget that a team can decide to start with 7 players.
    https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/news/totalenergies-afcon-202-update-on-number-of-substitutions-and-minimum-number-of-

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  7. Ghorbal has been one of the strongest match officials in CAF and this opening appointment just reaffirms that.

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  8. OT:
    85th minute od Granada vs Barvelona, Gonzalez Fuertes with 2 clear missed 2nd YC's to Pique, very lenient approach towards Barcelon player.

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  9. Very debatable pk for Real Madrid against Valencia whistled by Hdz Hdz in 42'. IMO, wrong decision.

    Also, the commentator mentions that Real made a big pressure on Hdz Hdz, making a compilation of calls he whistled against them recently, and broadcasting it on club's tv channel.

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    Replies
    1. https://www.goalstube.online/2022/01/real-madrid-valencia.html

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    2. And now a pk for Valencia i 75', looks like DOGSO but Hdz Hdz opted for a YC and VAR supported.

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    3. 91' potential RC for Camavinga for SFP, no foul given and no VAR intervention.

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    4. Looks like Hernandez Hernandez is La liga's version of Maresca, plenty of his matches are ending with 5+cards... :)

      Jokes aside, not at his best tonightl, little bit struggles with players attitude and I agree, very soft penalty and missed clear YC to Camavinga.
      All and all, average from him.

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  10. Ghorbal is one of the better refs from AFCON, last Cup of Nations I saw his match Uganda-Senegal if I'm not wrong, ge was excellent, great decision making and pretty calm so it's great to see his rise.

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  11. VAR supported YC:
    https://streamable.com/mn9vs5
    What do you think?

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    Replies
    1. I would prefer red. Gives off 2010 WC Final vibes.

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    2. I think it is ok that VAR supports, but a RC would have been more expected IMO. Also the situation was very early in the game, maybe that influenced the decision slightly.

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    3. IMO, RC for SFP to be given here. Although the player does not seem to intend to hurt his opponent, his action with a hazardously raised leg and open studs endangers his opponent's health.
      I personally prefer a VAR intervention but I can also understand that they chose to stay silent as the player is absolutely focused on the ball (sometimes, such sendings-off appear harsh) - but still, RC for me.

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    4. Agree 100% with Flip. VAR should've recommended an OFR here

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  12. RC given by Frappart for Schneiderlin is imo a obsivous mistake. What do you think?

    https://twitter.com/ZS_Voetbal/status/1480153885499183109

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    Replies
    1. Video not available outside NED...

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    2. https://streamja.com/OBPep

      Clear and obvious mistake, YC at most.

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    3. IMO YC, but not clear mistake

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    4. Not a clear and obvious mistake, VAR can't intervene because after having hit ball the tackle still results as very dangerous for the opponent. Good work by VAR in a situation in which he was indeed challenged but he was right. Having said that, with a different view, I think Frappart would have only booked the player and the red card can be considered as extremely harsh.

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    5. I agree with Chefren that the tackle has a dangerous result - but I don't think that he can be really blamed for it; the RC is very harsh and for me rather a mistake, however, probably not enough for a VAR intervention.

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    6. @Chefren

      Of course, playing the ball does not abolish the player, BUT it is obvious that there is no intention to harm the opponent. Besides, the leg is bent and feet slide completely on the ground with no open foot. How can this be interpreted as more than reckless? The only possible element would be the interpretation of excessive force, but for me it is a classic example of a foul that looks nasty, although it isnt really.

      Only yesterday, we saw Camavinga crazy tackle with no punishment at all, so it seems that VAR can support absolutely every call which doesnt make sense, broadly speaking.

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    7. Camavinga's tackle yesterday, no foul and no card!

      https://m.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=vZjRA6WgLdw

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  13. German referee Felix Zwayer took some time off and is currently on holiday.
    DFB's head of refereeing, Lutz-Michael Fröhlich, announced that Zwayer is not active at the moment. He took this decision himself.
    Fröhlich further voiced his opinion that, following the reoccuring discussions about the 'Hoyzer scandal', the past should be reappraised.
    "I would welcome to finally know what really happened at that time. The reproach, money taken or no money taken, is unresolved. For me, it would be impossible to officiate matches with this burden." But Fröhlich also makes clear that he himself has no reasons to mistrust Zwayer in regards to that as long as the opposite isn't proved.

    It will be interesting to see how this story developes in the next weeks and months. It is astonishing that a referee who was a serious candidate for the World Cup some time ago has to experience this after years of silence regarding this reproach - and I'm sorry for him.

    Source: https://www.sportschau.de/fussball/bundesliga/dpa-umstrittener-referee-zwayer-derzeit-nicht-aktiv-story100.html

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    Replies
    1. I'm really sorry for Zwayer situation, indeed, but let me say it is absolutely absurd that after a so long time as FIFA referee, this story becomes a trouble only nowadays. He has spent years and years in UEFA top refereeing.
      Also, and I already said that in past, it would be very important to know what exactly happened and how it was possible to confirm a referee after having accepted money, with only a short supension. The other referees who were involved with him as well.

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    2. If he wanted to do that, why he did not do it at the end of 2021, but only now, after the 2022 lists were confirmed?

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    3. This story needs to be clarified once and forever (like Calciopoli in Italy)... no one can focus on their job while allegations keep coming back...

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    4. https://m.bild.de/sport/fussball/fussball/nach-zoff-bei-bvb-gegen-bayern-pfeift-felix-zwayer-nie-wieder-ein-fussball-spiel-78774032.bildMobile.html

      Felix Zwayer says : "I'm working on the situation."

      According to the Bild, the Berlin police contacted Felix Zwayer because of the threat of death against him on the Internet circulate.

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  14. Extremely, extremely poor 1st half from Alejandro Muniz Ruiz in Rayo Vallecano - Betis.
    - Very harsh RC for Betis in min 33', with the home team player lowering his head
    https://streamja.com/1O3dP

    - Awful management of the head injury situation, game being stopped only after 20 seconds

    - Clear penalty for Betis for handball by RAY #5 in min 38' completely missed, no VAR intervention.

    Also several smaller mistakes and general feel that he is not in control of the game, lots of dissent from Betis players who feel that all important decisions went in favor of the home team.

    Interesting to see how the 2nd half develops, as Betis lead at HT having one player sent off.

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    Replies
    1. The management of situation in 33' is indeed shocking.

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    2. I watched full sequence in the game, he had indeed given advantage, then having in mind to book player at the next stoppage. He came with YC when game was stopped, he saw blood and he decided for red changing immediatley card... then he started to be very angry with players. One of the worst scenes I can remember in recent times... and the health of the player was in serius danger.

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    3. Wow, where are 4th official and AR, how does Muniz Ruiz not realize the situation in which there is a possibility of setious head injury?!?!

      IMO supportable RC, though

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    4. Very poor management. I also asked myself, why the assistants of the referee didn't intervene. IMO the red is very wrong. One could argue YC for the injured player, because he went so low with his head.

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    5. Wow it's going already be hard this year to top so many mistakes in 1 clip

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    6. I think Muniz Ruis and Corbero Vega are bad referees for Top division La liga

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    7. Attacker took a risk and put his head there. Yellow at most for the defender.

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  15. It could be changes in referee appointments due to the Covid virus

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    1. Cameroon vs Burkina Faso

      Fourth Official: Haythem Guirat (Tunisia)

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    2. Ethiopia vs Cape Verde

      Referee: Helder Martins De Carvalho (Angola)
      Assistant Referee 1: Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel Abouelregal (Egypt)
      Assistant Referee 2: Zakaria Brinsi (Morocco)
      Fourth Official: Haythem Guirat (Tunisia)
      Video Assistant Referee: Mahmoud Mohamed Ashour (Egypt)
      Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1:

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    3. Khalil Hassani is AVAR1

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  16. Haythem Guirat is 4th official on match opener, not Mahmoud El Bana Zakaria Moustafa

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  17. UMBRO kit for referees at AFCON.
    https://ibb.co/Bjz9Ktx

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  18. YC after 40sec. Correct, yet brave decision in an opener.

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  19. An early yellow to a Bakino Faso player. Well deserved in my opinion.

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  20. To be honest, that YC in ''40 should have been RC for SFP...

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  21. The yellow card by Ghorbal:
    https://streamable.com/tolk8k
    Clear SFP. The worst start for VAR at AFCON.
    But well, one must also have a courage in calling referee 40 seconds after the start of a tournament...

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    Replies
    1. I'm not 100% sure about SFP (no high intensity/speed, was the studs contact full one or only a scratch?) but it's quite clear DOGSO!

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    2. SFP for me as well, should have been red. Not easy to give after 40 sec of a major tournament but still. DOGSO as well in my opinion, as the others defenders are far away, the ball would have been easily under control and it’s central, going towards the goal.
      The OFR for the penalty is this time a good call from VAR for me, Traore is late and do not touch the ball, high risk intervention from him and he needs to keep in mind there can be consequences if he doesn’t arrive first. I think the referee don’t see it because of the player in between. Maybe some more left positioning and/or more mobility could have helped him to get a better angle.

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    3. SFP for me as well, should have been red. Not easy to give after 40 sec of a major tournament but still. DOGSO as well in my opinion, as the others defenders are far away, the ball would have been easily under control and it’s central, going towards the goal.
      The OFR for the penalty is this time a good call from VAR for me, Traore is late and do not touch the ball, high risk intervention from him and he needs to keep in mind there can be consequences if he doesn’t arrive first. I think the referee don’t see it because of the player in between. Maybe some more left positioning and/or more mobility could have helped him to get a better angle.

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    4. I agree with ESR. Not convinced about the SFP, because the foot is turned away, so that it's not a full studs contact).
      But it looks a lot like DOGSO with no other defender nearby.

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    5. I disagree with accepting such dangerous tackles - SFP offence in my view; the leg being lifted so highly is endangering the opponent's safety, the intensity in this slide is high enough IMO.
      The DOGSO infringement is even clearer, no other defender able to intervene anymore.
      Choose the reason you want, both are definetly fulfilling all the necessary aspects of a sending-off.
      A YC is a major mistake noenetheless, no matter how old the match or tournament already is.

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    6. View the footage at 0.23
      BF player makes a direct attack on opponent with straight leg, 60cm height and with studs forward. IMO clearly SFP and red card.

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    7. I don’t agree with DOGSO here, he is moving horizontally in the exact direction of the other defender.

      I agree this is SFP but it is also quite an unorthodox challenge, so I suppose I can understand why the VAR did not choose to intervene.

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    8. Clear SPF in my opinion

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  22. OFR for penalty awarded. Tight in my opinion but a good decision by the officials

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  23. Poor start from Ghorbal!!! How can he have not called that penalty live!!!! As well as missed red card!! Not a brave referee at all

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    Replies
    1. I didn't see a clear angle from the Sky UK coverage but if they're staying throttled. It should be a red in my interpretation of Voilent Conduct

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  24. 2md penalty awarded now. Maybe a dive in my opinion.

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    Replies
    1. 2nd penalty is clearly correct! A reckless tackle from the defending player

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  25. 2nd penalty about as clear as you'll ever see. Complaints from Burkina Faso are laughable

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  26. First penalty: https://streamable.com/w25sx4
    Second penalty: https://streamable.com/6uuxez

    The first penalty should have been whistled directly by Ghorbal. Strictly according to VAR protocol, I think that there are very few arguments for supporting referee, because it is rather Cameroon player putting leg and then causing the foul by defender, however intervention is OK for me, as Ghorbal didn't assess that, despite of his quite good positioning.
    Second penalty is correct for a reckless tackle: the contact with attacker is not immediate (this is why somebody can see this as easy call or even wrong), but the defender takes the risk by making that action and impeding opponent's run.

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    Replies
    1. 1) I agree that, essentially, this isn't a clear spotkick. The Cameroon player is acting cleverly here - but the situation LOOKS very clear, the Burkina Faso player being simply too late and only hitting the opponent. Therefore, it's a rather correct penalty and also a good VAR intervention (discussions afterwards would have been way more if VAR acted too theoretical and stayed silent).
      -> correct decision
      2) Agreed, penalty to be whistled, reckless offence. Correct decision, Burkina Faso with two PKs against them in the opener, of course they're not happy but the calls are correct in total.

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  27. I didn’t realize Escobar was at this tournament. I thought Elfath was CONCACAF’s exchange referee for this. Has that changed?

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  28. ETH-CPV, 10': RC-DOGSO after OFR.
    IMO, RC is the better decision, but I have some doubts about "clear and obvious" as a second defender might have intervened in the path towards goal.

    Funnily, the whistle for the OFR was used to convert the free kick given for the foul, because the player thought the FK was ready to go.

    BTW, it seems Guirat is 4th official also in this game.
    And the ARs are Brinsi and Abouelregal according to the TV overlay.

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    Replies
    1. A short clip, no further replays so far.
      Based on that, in my opinion looks fully correct by VAR to intervene.
      https://streamable.com/e4brlx

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    2. Before being fouled the attacker played the ball to the center, which makes it quite possible that the 2nd defender could have intervened. OFR not appropriate in my view.

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    3. I checked full sequence and indeed I must say that I changed idea, RC not a mistake if given by referee, but wrong VAR intervention in case of YC given, as it happened, because one can't 100% exclude the intervention of the other defender.

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    4. Also, it looks like Cape Verde players didn't know anything about how VAR works. Referee correctly made the gesture and went to OFR, they thought it was the whistle for executing the free kick, they scored, and they didn't even understand what had happened after a quite long time. More communication between CAF and teams at first, and referees and teams in second instance, was required.

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    5. I think the 16m-line angle VAR offered at first is the best angle to assess such SPA-DOGSO incidents and it's indeed quite clear DOGSO here. Other angles change perspective and are not so accurate. So, using the best angle that 'says' it's DOGSO, VAR acted correctly inviting the referee for an on-field review.

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    6. Why do you think the 16m-line provides the best angle to assess? It only shows the attacker is in front of defenders in longitudinal axis of the pitch, but in this situation doesn’t show the path of the ball accurately (relevant for assessing the chances of controlling the ball), nor does it show how close other defenders are in the lateral axis. IMO most accurate is to use both the 16m-line camera and camera from behind, and make a final call based on those two angles. Then I come to same conclusion that red card may be the most expected decision, but intervention was not appropriate.

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    7. I think the intervention was correct. In my opinion it is quite clear that the CDV player would be first to the ball if the challenge wasn't made

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  29. To be honest I watched a good performance.
    If you are talking about the two handballs incidents and you merely base your assessment on that, it is not fair.

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  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. Gassama with the most sonorous game so far, two big contenders, to follow we could also mention Morocco - Ghana planned for tomorrow as other remarkable match, with Bondo in charge.

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    2. Where are the appointments posted on the CAF website?

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    3. @Chefren yes.. CAF never seems to ever want to let go of Gassama, it is as if he has been there forever and will be there forever!! 😂😂 with all the new Talent CAF had at its disposal I thought they would let Gasssama go or slowly transition, I cannot remember a referee so in the scene for a long time. And Bondo it seems is rated highly by CAF.

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  31. It could be changes in referee appointments due to the Covid virus


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  32. @Marrkoo are you sure you watched the right game? Massa's performance has been outstanding and faultless in a very difficult game. Strangely enough, even Mourinho publicly congratulated with him!

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  33. Penalty awarded to Senegal in the last seconds not seen any replays yet but it has been sent to the VAR but I think it's been confirmed.

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    Replies
    1. Shocking production that we're four minutes later and haven't seen a single replay.

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    2. Agreed but it's down to FIFA or Cameroon for the TV pictures

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    3. BBC reporting it as a Handball.

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    4. https://mixture.gg/v/61dc48cddaa31

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    5. Shot on goal = penalty and yellow card. Perfect decision by Escobar in min. 90+4 at 0-0.

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  34. Real Betis have always been absolutely respectful with the referees and their decisions, but what we have seen today is incomprehensible. The job of a referee is to be fair and just, not the disgrace we have seen today at Vallecas. A mistake is understandable, but one error after another, all in the same direction, damaging the rules, cannot be understood. Álex Moreno’s red card, a handball inside the home area, foul before the goal and foul from Carvalho when he was alone. There is no possible explanation.

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    Replies
    1. Yet, police had to custody Medina Cantalejo's home in Sevilla because Betis fans found it...

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  35. Clips from Mario Escobar's game

    Decisive penalty: https://send.cm/d/7g0U
    Full HL: https://fromsmash.com/4mD8JxBtzh-bt

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not enough yellow shown to the Zimbabwe players for the mass confrontation. I believe the only yellow was for the handball itself; not a fan of this sort of behavior being allowed.

      Delete
    2. Well Escobar flashing cards left and right when players confront him is a good way for him to be left home instead of going to Qatar next month. If you want change, go to IFAB. Don't call out individual referees for following a set standard.

      Delete
    3. Well actually you wouldn't got to IFAB. The laws are already there in place to punish this behaviour. It's the referee committees and FIFA coaches that set the standard.

      Delete
  36. Morocco vs Ghana
    Referee: Joshua Bondo (Botswana)
    Assistant Referee 1: Ibrahim Abdalla Mohammed (Sudan) -Hassani Khalil (Tunisia)
    Assistant Referee 2: Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho)
    Fourth Official: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
    Video Assistant Referee: Haythem Guirat (Tunisia)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee : Hassani Khalil (Tunisia)- Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel Abouelregal (Egypt)

    ReplyDelete
  37. http://refereeingworld.blogspot.com/2022/01/german-fifa-referee-zwayer-no-longer.html?m=1

    ReplyDelete
  38. Highlights

    CMRBFA: https://fromsmash.com/CMRBFA-MustaphaGhorbal-AdilZourak
    ETHCPV: https://fromsmash.com/ETHCPV-HelderMartinsDeCarvalho-MahmudMuhammadAshur

    ReplyDelete
  39. Algeria vs Sierra Leone
    Referee: Ahmad Imtehaz Heeralall (Mauritius)
    Assistant Referee 1: Soulaiman Almaldine (Comoros)
    Assistant Referee 2: Lionel Hasinjaosoa Andriananteain (Madagascar)
    Fourth Official: Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)*
    Video Assistant Referee: Adil Zourak (Morocco)*
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee : Zakaria Brinssi (Morocco)*

    ReplyDelete
  40. Algieria - Sierra Leone
    74' Potential penalty for Algeria. For me clear foul. What do you think?

    Wideo: https://streamable.com/qgu2nf

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Live impression: simulation.
      After replay: touch from behind can't be excluded but very hard to think that this was something relevant for the fall of opponent, I think he tried to use this situation to get penalty, however whistling it wouldn't have been questioned by VAR. Correct decision to support this play on, referee looked convinced about his call.

      Delete
  41. Predictions MD2
    CMR-ETH: Ngambo, Kabene (both COD), Phatsoane (LES), Bondo (BOT) - Dahane (MRT), Ibrahim (SDN)
    CPV-BFA: Gomes, Siwela (both RSA), Abouelregal (EGY), Sy (SEN) - Escobar (GUA), Jermoumi (MAR)
    SEN-GUI: El Bana, Taha (both EGY), Brinsi (MAR), Martins (ANG) - Guezzaz (MAR), dos Santos (ANG)
    MWI-ZIM: Ngwa, Noupue (both CMR), Hassani (TUN), Heeralali (MRI) - Zourak (MAR), Ibrahim (SDN)
    MAR-COM: N'Diaye, Camara, Samba (all SEN), Mukansanga (RWA) - Benbraham, Etchiali (both ALG)
    GAB-GHA: Selmi (TUN), Maringula (MOZ), Gourari (ALG), Guirat (TUN) - Charef (ALG), Siwela (RSA)
    NGA-SUD: Ndabihawenimana (BDI), Tiama (BFA), Emile (SEY), Jiyed (MAR) - Guerrero (MEX), Jermoumi (MAR)
    GNB-EGY: Traore (MLI), Azgaou (MAR), Andrianantenaina (MAD), Laryea (GHA) - Sikazwe (RSA), dos Santos (ANG)
    CIV-SLE: Dahane (MRT), Akerkad (MAR), Almaldine (COM), Selmi (TUN) - Escobar (GUA), Camara (SEN)
    ALG-EQG: Bamlak (ETH), Cheriyot (KEN), Sidiki (GUI), N'Diaye (SEN) - Guirat (TUN), Ibrahim (SDN)
    GAM-MLI: Mukansanga (RWA), Amsaaed (LBY), Okello (UGA), Guezzaz (MAR) - Benbraham, Etchiali (both ALG)
    TUN-MRT: Omar, Abouelregal (both EGY), Kabene (COD), Gomes (RSA) - Ashour (EGY), Siwela (RSA)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Very good Bakary but I can categorically tell you that in the game today, Var changed a decision from corner to a drop ball, it should have been a goal kick but Gassama gave a corner then placed his hands on his ear before given a drop ball!!! I don’t know what happened there at all😂😂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I also didn't understand.
      Looked like they decided, that the ball wasn't out of play, when he gave the corner. But who decided that...?
      45th minute if someone wants to make a clip.

      Delete
    2. Min 80: missed penalty kick for Egypt?
      There was a detailed analysis of Ghandour on BeInSports, but, unfortunately, did not understand the language... any Arabic-speaking readers see that analysis?

      Delete
    3. Situation in 45':
      https://streamable.com/cexy6i
      Most logical explanation for what happened is that after having assigned corner kick, VAR checked the possible penalty and then they realized that the last touch had been by attacker: no penalty and no corner, therefore goal kick.
      But of course strictly forbidden to use VAR in this way, when a penalty is not awarded, I think there can't be other reasons.

      Delete
    4. Do you have a video clip for the situation in 80'?

      Delete
    5. Here you are:
      https://streamable.com/l60pxf

      Delete
    6. 45' This could have gone really badly. The central defenders didn't have time to get back into shape. So if the goalkeeper would have started a counter and they would have scored... luckily nothing happend.

      Delete
    7. 80' is actually very interesting. If it is not a foul by the striker, it is a PK. Even if it is very unlucky and not on purpose. I guess safe refereeing there. What do you think Chefren?

      Delete
    8. Yes I agree, but definitely better to play on. Penalty would be very questionable decision. Absolutely correct by VAR to support, not a clear situation, referee should have seen everything rom the beginning to make an assessment, he didn't and I agree that it wasn't VAR stuff.

      Delete
    9. David, agree with you. I do not see a foul by attacker and defender makes careless contact with attacker, so penalty kick. Egypt lost 0-1, so that is a KMI.

      Delete
    10. 45’ - bizarre… I don’t want to use situation analysis to attack a specific referee, but Gassama is waaay too weak technically for Qatar, for my eyes at least

      80’ - excellent decision by the officials, penalty would be real a travesty here IMO, the attacker deliberately waits to be crashed into by the defender, so defensive freekick is a perfect decision for me

      Delete
    11. 80' I think a PK (esp. in a tournament) would be a travesty, as Mikael says. But on the other hand, if the defender doesn't fall (and commit a foul), this kind of contact from the striker would normally not be punished. I would have no problem to give a free kick for the attacking team here, but a penalty would indeed be bizarre.

      Delete
  43. Interesting reckless vs. SFP incident in the Sudan vs. Guinea-Bissau game for Issa Sy (36’). Play on was his on-field call.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YC is enough in my opinion, the intensity is not too high and the action is clearly ball-orientated.

      Later (79') penalty for GNB: The GK touches the ball first (because it is played against him), but the intensity of the tackle still justifies to call it a foul. But due to the ball contact by the GK, I don't think, every referee would decide this way.

      Delete
  44. So far, there are already 12 match officials infected with the covid virus, so CAF is inviting other referees, fearing that the outbreak could get bigger, and not having referees to follow the tournament.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This could have been expected even before the start of tournament, CAF should have called other referees even before today.

      Delete
    2. This is why I think we will see a high number of referees selected for Qatar.

      Delete
    3. But it is too early to talk about WC, many things can change in 10 months.

      Delete
    4. Do we have confirmation of this COVID outbreak among the match officials?

      Because, if so, it certainly invites questions about Sikazwe's health given his physical appearance and clear laboring at the end of the match. One should never offer a medical diagnosis purely on sight (and without expertise) but it has to at least be considered as people search for answers regarding what might have happened today.

      Delete
  45. Ahmed should provide us with the full designations, but anticipating for the more curious:
    13/01
    CMR vs ETH: Ndala Ngambo (COD)
    CPV vs BFA: Mohamed Omar (EGY)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Sudan - Guinea-Bissau

    36', reckless or SFP: https://streamable.com/l3ers2
    YC is OK for me.

    78', penalty : https://streamable.com/3qa0o7
    I hope that they checked the possible offside as well. About the call itself, I fully agree with Philipp analysis.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Still no news about CWC referees from Uefa, CAF, AFC and OFC ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, and I'm also surprised by the missing publication of FIFA list for 2022. As I'm observing since a long time, every year the delay increases. I don't know whether there are specific reasons behind that, though. Until a few years ago, all lists were directly on FIFA site and all was always available on 01/01 of new year...

      Delete
    2. Last year it was delayed by Iran's in-out-in with respect to Faghani... but this year it is delayed even more.

      Delete
  48. Eventful Tunisia - Mali, two penalties and a straight red card.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, not about decisions, but my question generally would be what does Sikazwe does today?

      Delete
  49. I don't think Janny Sikazwe will be going to the world cup. Horrendous game. Sent a Mali player sent off for an innocuous challenge (reviewed and stuck with the decision) and now called time one at 85 mins and 89. No wonder the coaches are frustrated. He'll be going back to Zambia. Absolute shambles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually think the RC decision is quite good on reflection. Once you agree that the Mali player wasn’t going for the ball (-> “challenge as an attack”), then the contact was quite dangerous and hence, correct RC. I’m glad he stuck with the call even after intervention. However - à la Hategan in ITAWAL, a caution and a strong warning would have probably been a better practical (self-preservational) call.

      That being said, is all immaterial for Sikazwe now…

      (I think he missed a clear penalty for Tunisia at 66’ too)

      Delete
    2. Make no sense at all. No skills, no communication, no teamwork. This is one of the the worst performance I have ever seen. No WC for him 100%

      Delete
  50. Sikazwe's performance must be the worst I've ever seen.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I can’t believe what I just watched - Sikazwe has surely ended his international career this afternoon. I wonder if the game will be replayed, too; it will be if the television clock (reading 89:50) was accurate to a margin of 10secs error. Incredible how four officials + VMOs can fail here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Totally agree with you,man. From the referee who was one of the best in Africa, to the probably end of career. What was with him. Twice time officiate an end of game, plus red card who was very suspect. Yellow was ok in such situation. Then, there should be at least three minutes if not more for the additional time. We will se what's gonna happen.

      Delete
    2. I would have thought at least the VMO would have noticed at least. But I think he has refereed his last 89:50 of international football.

      Delete
  52. First wrong final whistle:
    https://streamable.com/dkw7x8

    Final whistle:
    https://streamable.com/8nb53i

    I'm really speechless. Trying to find a reason for explaining that, one can only say that all officials had a malfunction and they couldn't check the time, but it is hard to believe.
    Strange things that happen in Africa, FIFA must take a look at this, being this referee a preselected and even a quite strong name for WC.
    For sure he ended his career, and there is nothing more to add, I didn't even watch the OFR after RC...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wondered why the coaches were annoyed at the first. Didn't realise it until they said on the second.

      Delete
  53. There are reports that CAF wants to restart the match with the 4th official in charge for a few final minutes... Absolute madness...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep - Martins de Carvalho in charge.

      Delete
    2. Tunisia didn't come out. Game now officially over.

      Delete
    3. Who is the fourth official? I guess Etchiali(?), he is wearing tracksuit bottoms like a VMO.

      Delete
  54. There are three referees and two VARs, and nobody is able to tell Sikazwe that he has messed up? Surely at least one of the noticed that something was wrong with the time.

    If this is not a medical or mental issue, another explanation is not possible, it must be intentional.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To prevent Match Fixing? A possibility. Hope not but if it is. He shouldn't he blamed. He's trying to prevent it.

      Delete
    2. There are easier and less obvious ways to fix match than whistling the end earlier twice. I can't believe what I just saw.

      Delete
  55. Quote from Sportbible;

    - Nine substitutions
    - Three VAR reviews
    - Two penalties
    - One goal
    - One red card
    - Drinks break
    - Ref mistakenly blew final whistle on 85th min
    - Game restarts in 87th min
    - Games finishes on 89th min

    (This all happened in the 2nd half)

    Incredible scenes in the Tunisia/Mali game has seen the referee blow the final whistle in the 89th minute, with zero added time. We've never seen anything like this before! 🤯

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really Comedy. The referee may be drunk :)

      Delete
    2. It is not Shmolik :)

      Delete
  56. Memories back at 2015 edition's quarterfinals with Rajindraparsad Seechurn from Mauritius in Tunisia - Equatorial Guinea. Also in that case, Tunisia involved as damaged team. However, today the mistake by referee is obvious, objective. One can't find any reason for that. Since he had already tried to do that before in 85', he wanted to whistle the end as soon as possible. It would be more than crucial to hae a few words by CAF about what happened. Any info about what is about to happen with game, now? Will the 0-1 be confirmed?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lost time compensation by CAF referees is really terrible. Daniel Laryea added 3 minutes to the second half of GUIMWI although 8 minutes would be appropriate! There were three medical treatments lasting two minutes each and substitutions...

      Delete
  57. Unfortunately, this just shows how far and superior are UEFA and CONMEBOL organizations and refs.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Highlights

    SENZIM: https://fromsmash.com/SENZIM-MarioEscobar-FernandoGuerrero
    GUIMWI: https://fromsmash.com/GUIMWI-DanielNiiAyiLaryea-VictorMiguelDeFreitasGomes

    ReplyDelete
  59. Without considering politics, is there a ref in Africa who would be good enough to go at the WC on his own merit?

    Someone who is at least at same level with a good European ref (let's say Ekberg for the sake of argument), and not necessary top 10 Elite.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ghorbal right now is definitely at that level from what I have seen. Gassama in years past was there as well but I personally didn’t think he was very good at the Gold Cup. And Sikazwe, until today, seemed to be in that category as well for sure. To tell you the truth, I haven’t watched enough of any of the other CAF referees to really have a strong opinion about them.

      Delete
    2. Ghorbal also to me.

      Few years ago that name was Diedhou, but he retired after WC in Russia.

      What I saw from CADF refs during any WC or AFCON is that they lack emotion and basic social skills, they dont comunicate with players as they do in Europe, too much leniency and different criterium and most importantly, they seem that they are not 100 percent sure in every decision they make.

      Just my opinion.

      Delete
    3. @M- Agree with you. In the season they are officiating low quality matches in domestic leagues, it is not easy to adapt to bigger matches.

      Delete
    4. If Gassama is selected, this will be his third WC, although he only had one game each in both 2014 and 2018. One game in Brazil makes sense considering his age and experience level, but in Russia he should get at least one more

      Delete
    5. Ghorbal (although too lenient in his games), Tessema, Jiyed, Gomes, Bondo, Camille come to mind. Unfortunately, Gassama disappoints for some time (also his Arab Cup was very poor), Sikazwe too for some extent and today he most likely lost his chances to go to WC.

      Delete
    6. Camille is 46 and said he will retire after Afcon.
      Ghorbal, Tessema, Gomes and N'Diaye (if allegations are cleared) are the Top 4 CAF referees at this time.

      Delete
  60. Here all the incidents of a very challenging second half for Janny Sikazwe (Zambia).

    47' Penalty to Mali: https://streamable.com/m2jj6y
    51' Penalty appeal Mali: https://streamable.com/og8a74
    60' Penalty appeal Mali: https://streamable.com/d7fmaz
    65' Penalty appeal Tunisia: https://streamable.com/1kd9rt
    75' Penalty after OFR: https://streamable.com/kud0fa
    87' RC - decision not changed after OFR: https://streamable.com/f8fiwk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jesus, how is this RC? :O

      Delete
    2. After watching these situations I don't understand anything anymore. If he wanted to help Mali than he wouldn't issue red card for them, he would whistle some of their penalty appeals and he wouldn't whistle penalty for Tunisia. I am not sure can we speak about Sikazwe's intentions, but surely it is his nightmare match.

      Delete
  61. Something I don’t want to get lost in all the far crazier drama here: I cannot understand how Tunisia’s penalty kick was not retaken. Law 14 states that “The defending goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts, without touching the goalposts, crossbar or goal net, until the ball has been kicked.” This does not seem like “on the goal line … until the ball is kicked” to me, he is entirely behind the line by at least a yard: https://imgur.com/a/9X4HRci

    It’s really confusing for me. It seems like VARs all over the world just ignore this part of the law. I don’t understand it at all.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Unfortunately this is this tournament isn't always taken seriously by the rest of the world and l am speaking as an African. This is so frustrating, very very poor performance, couldn't even keep time. Safe to say, international career is over.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Thoughts on the penalty for Inter in the Supercoppa (34', R:Doveri, VAR: Mazzoleni)?
    I think, the contact is only created by the attacker, the defender even tries to avoid it and is not moving towards the attacker at all. So IMO very doubtful penalty - although probably not a clear error, because the attacker won the ball first.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very difficult game for Doveri, his performance so far is not good and accurate like previous occasions. Having said that, I agree with you about the whistled penalty, very soft, the defender can't be accused of having committed a clear foul, but for most of Italian fans this call seems to be absolutely correct. It is enough that a player put himself between the opponent and the ball, and a situation is perceived as penalty even in case of soft contact. However in my opinion never VAR stuff, in this regard maybe I'm more convinced than you, Mazzoleni was right in supporting but I wouldn't have whistled it as well. At the beginning of the game another penalty appeal by Inter, also in that case for me OK play on, but maybe in case of whistle a clearer penalty than the given one.

      Delete
  64. Two penalties and one goal for Tottenham taken back by VAR in the League Cup SF (R: Marriner, VAR: Dean).
    40': Foul occurred clearly outside the penalty area (no OFR)
    56': GK cleanly played the ball first (OFR)
    63': Offside, because GK was out of goal, i.e. not last defender (no OFR)
    All three interventions clearly correct IMO.

    ReplyDelete