Thursday 1 February 2024

2023 Africa Cup of Nations - Quarterfinals

Referee assignments at 2023 AFCON, Quarterfinals. 

Issa Sy (Senegal) to officiate the Nigeria vs. Angola clash


02/02/2024

Nigeria - Angola
Referee: Sy Issa (SEN)
Assistant Referee 1: Camara Djibril (SEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Bangoura Nouha (SEN)
Fourth Official: Bouh Abdel Aziz (MTN)
Reserve Assistant Referee: Samake Modibo (MLI)
Video Assistant Referee: Beida Dahane (MTN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Guirat Haythem (TUN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Mahmoud Ahmed Kamedl Abouregal (EGY)

RD Congo - Guinea
Referee: Ghorbal Mustapha (ALG)
Assistant Referee 1: Mokrane Gourari (ALG)
Assistant Referee 2: Abbes Akram Zerhouni (ALG)
Fourth Official: Omar Abdulkadir Artan (SOM)
Reserve Assistant Referee: Ahonto Koffi Jonathan (TOG)
Video Assistant Referee: Laryea Daniel Nii Ayii (GHA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Abongile Tom (RSA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Diana Chicotesha (ZAM)

03/02/2024

Mali - Ivory Coast
Referee: Mohamed Adel Elsaid Hussien (EGY)
Assistant Referee 1: Jerson Emiliano Dos Santos (ANG)
Assistant Referee 2: Amsaaed Attia M. Essa (LBY)
Fourth Official: Alhadji Allaou Mahamat (CHA)
Reserve Assistant Referee: Dimbiniaina Andriatianarivelo (MAD)
Video Assistant Referee: Akhona Zennith Makalima (RSA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Benbraham Lahlou (ALG)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Steven Danek Moyo Moutsassi (CGO)

Cape Verde - South Africa
Referee: Ndala Ngambo Jean-Jacques (COD)
Assistant Referee 1: Gilbert Cheriyot (KEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Liban Abdoulrazack (DJI)
Fourth Official: Traoré Ibrahim Kalilou (CIV)
Reserve Assistant Referee: Ngoh Adou Hermann (CIV)
Video Assistant Referee: Mahmoud Mohamed Ashour H. (EGY)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Kamaku Peter Waweru (KEN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Hassani Khali (TUN)

88 comments:

  1. Omar Abdulkadir Artan might be part of the official taking the final or 3rd place game

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  2. The standard of refereeing in England is so terrible and annoying to watch! Yesterday watched Paul Tieney and John Brooks on Liverpool vs Chelsea and I don’t know what was happening with them

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    1. Thought they actually had a decent game. Both Chelsea penalty shouts could have been given, but neither are and obvious enough for VAR. The first one he is already falling and there have been examples of similar in recent weeks also not given. The second, yes there is a kick on the foot but the player jumps three feet in the air and then holds his achilles. Also, depends on what Tierney did or didn't see. If he said he saw the contact but its not enough for a penalty then its certainly not clearly wrong. Liverpool penalty correct, clear stamp on foot.

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    2. I agree, a generally good game, with an excellent YC for simulation on one of the (four I think) CHE penalty claims. Only the last could have gone either way

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  3. OT: The observer names for upcoming UEFA competitions confirm the expected. The 1st legs are used to test some new names and most of the experienced referees will be saved for the returns.
    Two refcom members (Rosetti and Velasco Carballo) are observing in the UEFA Champions League. The games of respectively Manchester City and Dortmund are used for that. No surprise. Moreover, the likes of Webb, Kapitanis and Dallas could indicate ‘Elite development’-names as well. As usual, the UCL returns are not appointed yet.

    In Europa League, mainly regular observers. Bjorn Kuipers is observing in Conference League.

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  4. Thanks for the update, LD.

    Here Champions League R16 First Legs Observers:

    Leipzig - Real Madrid
    Tomasz Mikulski POL

    Copenhagen - Manchester City
    Roberto Rosetti ITA

    Lazio - Bayern
    Costas Kapitanis CYP

    Paris Saint Germain - Real Sociedad
    Howard Webb ENG

    Inter - Atlético Madrid
    Herbert Fandel GER

    PSV - Dortmund
    Carlos Velasco Carballo ESP

    Porto - Arsenal
    Hugh Dallas SCO

    Napoli - Barcelona
    Elmir Pilav BIH

    Indeed I agree. Clearly in the games in Copenhagen and Eindhoven we will see important tests by committee members.
    One can think about Peljto, first of all, and this would be deserved, but Kruzliak as well, for a further "check". Not to forget Nyberg and Eskas but for some reasons they can be even considered ahead...

    On the contrary, reading the observers, in Naples, Leipzig, in both games very big names are expected, no need of observation by committee.

    Then, the "middle way" with observers like Fandel, Kapitanis, Webb and Dallas who can indicate what you said, possible development for elite referees, but in such cases it is also possible to see a very experienced names.

    This should be the path, I think, then everything is possible. I would agree, in case, with the read of the games by committee. Clearly in Copenhagen first of all, you can make a certain choice, then to follow in Eindhoven as well (but I think less than Copenhagen).

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    1. Agree.

      A normal path for a new talented Elite would be a first leg in Copenhagen, Eindhoven or Porto. No Italian teams for sure.

      However, Nyberg is something special. It will be his first UCL game in the knock-out. Is Lazio or Inter (1st leg) within his reach? It would be pretty unique.

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    2. My prediction would be Peljto in Copenhagen and Eskås in Eindhoven. And I agree with LD, I would not be surprised to see Nyberg either in Rome or Milan

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  5. So with Algeria knocked out, who will be the frontrunner to get the final? Gourbal? Or maybe we have another names to follow?

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    Replies
    1. Ghourbal
      Ndala
      Tessema
      Maarouf

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    2. Issa Sy
      Omar Artan

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    3. Tessema
      Kamaku Peter
      Artan

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    4. Main candidates: Sy, Omar, Beida, Ndala (depending on his QF today)

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  6. Anyone know why Graham Scott rarely get EPL match (almost all his duty as FO) and only get championship match? Will he retired at the end at the season?

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    1. Never really established himself as a top premier league referee always in and out of the Championship even after his demotion (which he got overturned). Hanging on for the last few years and surely his time to retire now as he really just isn't very good.

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    2. And don't forget his age - born 1968.

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    3. I would like to add that only Andy Woolmer (Select Group 2 official) lasted to an older age before retiring (born 01/01/1965, retired at the end of the 2022-2023 season).

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    4. Graham Salisbury (Michael’s dad) refereed until he was 58, retired a couple of years ago

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    5. Not a fan of Paul Tieney and John Brooks decisions in Chelsea’s vs Liverpool game

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  7. Egyptian referee Amin Omar will referee the final he refereed two matches very good including the opening match

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    1. My predicition:

      Nigeria/Angola-DRC/Guinea: Amin Omar (EGY)
      Mali/Ivory Coast-Cape Verde/South Africa: Issa Sy (SEN)

      Third place match: Mutaz Ibrahim (LBY)
      Final: Mustapha Ghorbal (ALG)

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    2. *Nigeria/Angola-Cape Verde-South Africa and Mali/Ivory Coast-DRC/Guinea of course

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    3. I think unlikely to go from group stagedirectly to final, the appointment of the other Egyptian referee in this quarterfinal spoiled the chances of Amin Omar about the final. Nevertheless, I think that CAF wants to keep him as candidate for the future editions (but Egypt could be there...). Possible to see him in a semifinal. At moment, given the management, I don't see him for the final.

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    4. Omar Artan is Somalia 🇸🇴

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  8. Pronostic
    Demi-finale 1/2
    - Amin OMAR EGYPT
    - Redouane JAYED MAROC
    Finale
    GHORBAL Mustapha

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  9. Quite easy going first half for Issa Sy, not so much to report about his game, teams focused on playing football.

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  10. The penalty given to Guinea was very soft if not wrong for my taste, I feel it to be mostly a shoulder to shoulder with normal contact. Correct by VAR to support obviously but still...

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    1. Totally unexpected decision. I thought he had pointed for goal kick.

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    2. https://streamin.me/v/0df2d41d
      In my opinion this is a clear mistake by referee and by VAR as well, impossible to support. You know how much I'm fan of NO INTERVENTIONS by VAR in borderline situations, but this was is just contact shoulder / shoulder as you said, without any action. Impossible to call a foul. Important mistake by Ghorbal, for me penalty to be removed.

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    3. I have to disagree on calling this penalty wrong. Charging your opponent is only allowed when the ball is within playing distance, per the LoTG. When the defender acutally hits his opponent, the ball is ~4m from the contact. That's never playing distance. The fact that the shoulder was used is irrelevant, in my view.
      Now I don't believe a penalty is unanimously expected by the world, but this is at least a defendable decision. Mbemba has only himself to blame for making such a risky move.

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    4. Agree with @Upstylon almost fully. Probably not universally expected but that's because of some misconceptions, which I'm surprised to read here. "Shoulder-to-shoulder" is irrelevant when the ball is that far away! And I think 4m is incredibly generous (the only point I disagree with Upstylon on); that ball is probably 12-14m away when contact first starts--he hits him just after the ball enters the PA!

      I mean, you really aren't supposed to be able to do that. It's a clear, clear foul anywhere else on the field. The more I watch this, the more I'm convinced it absolutely is supposed to be a penalty. I just can't quite tell if the reason it's weird is because this sort of thing almost never happens or if we are always very reluctant to give it. I'm starting to lean toward the former. This is an extreme case.

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  11. Where can I find the referee appointments for the Peru's first division?
    Thank you!

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  12. Believe Artan would be a good choice for the third place final. A surprisingly talented referee, first class fitness and great personality.

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    Replies
    1. Which referees left Afcon after Round of 16?

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  13. Some videos from both quarterfinals yesterday.

    Most noteworthy incidents from Nigeria vs. Angola:
    1) https://www.streambug.io/cv/b418f4
    2) https://www.streambug.io/cv/6c7753
    3) https://www.streambug.io/cv/779e51

    DR Congo vs. Guinea:
    Early penalty appeals -- https://www.streambug.io/cv/c78551
    Penalty to Guinea -- https://www.streambug.io/cv/2e958d
    Penalty to DR Congo -- https://www.streambug.io/cv/a40a28

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    1. Thoughts: Good performances in both matches yesterday, imo. I remember Sy's game at the last AFCON (he gave a strict-ish-but-shy impression) and the Senegalese ref has improved quite a lot since then. What he is trying to do on the pitch reminds me of Valenzuela. Maybe there were a handful of doubtful decisions/mgmt in the goings-on of the match, indeed maybe the second clip can be among them, but overall the final impression was quite strong in a tense but fair-spirited tie. Ghorbal's perception accuracy seemed to go a little awry from about 40' on in the second game, but probably in a way that few would have generally picked up on. He was right in all key episodes imo, with Upstylon and Usaref orating my thoughts on the first penalty perfectly. In terms of softer skills and probably mgmt aspects too, Ghorbal is by far the best referee at the tournament imo. If assigned the final, it would be a deserved call for the Algerian ref in my eyes. Overall, it was another good day for CAF on the officiating front and especially in Sy's case, they should take credit for the development shown by this Senegalese official.

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  14. Caf send peter acho and var crew in sengal ivory cost home

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    1. Is that a rumour or confirmed info? Any other refs sent home?

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    2. Confirmed by media
      No info for other ref

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  15. Should be an OFR for handball penalty to Mali, definitely impossible to see, everything happened in penalty area, at first a no punishable handball than this one to follow and many players close each other.

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    1. Excellent work by Akhona Zennith Makalima spotting the offside before the penalty! Chapeau!

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    2. Now correct penalty to Mali, directly whistled by referee.
      What a challenging game for the Egyptian!

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    3. But he miss the first one very obvious
      He must called and wait var cheek app

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    4. What put Adel off in the handball scene was not immediately refocusing after the first appeal, not being 'ready' to properly assess the real offence - that is the reason for the blackout. Otherwise, the Egyptian has had no hesitation at all in taking courageous decisions.

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  16. Well spotted simulation outside the box - not common. Mandatory YC, very evident.

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  17. Now second YC (at least) for SPA, totally expected. VAR should analyze whether DOGSO or not, but I would say rather supportable decision with only yellow by Egyptian, due to the other defenders.

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    1. The first one was challenge between the defender and attacker very harsh to me

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    2. To be honest it was a borderline DOGSO for the penalty where Kossouno collected the first caution. There have been a couple of bookings more on the dubious side (Ivorian for striking, Mali for diving), but both of Kossouno's were absolutely nailed on.

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    3. https://streambug.org/cv/d6c058
      Second yc

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  18. Last minutes of additional time with a correct YC for reckless challenge, mandatory.

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  19. https://streambug.org/cv/d6c058
    OFR SITUATION
    I HAVE QUESTION IF CIV PALYER 4 PLAY THE BALL BEFORE GO TO MALI ATTCKER

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    1. In case of deliberate play by opponent before, no offside anymore, says the rule. But in this situation in my opinion CIV #4 stops a shot on goal, so in case of a deliberate play, and not deflection, should have been assessed as save. For this reason, the offside by attacker would stay as punishable.

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    2. Should be considered a save since it was a shot towards goal

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  20. Incredibile end of the game, with a real physical attack against the referee who reacted. Malian players to be blamed: the early red card in first half allowed them to play almost the full game in 11 vs 10...

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    1. I think referee had to react like that for his own safety. It’s easy to say he should remain calm but everybody would feel vulnerable in they situation

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    2. Absolutely, he would have been beaten, maybe not like Umut Meler, but still...! I can't blame him for this reason!

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  21. What an absolute disgraceful behaviour by Mali players but even more by referee of that match.

    I just caught last dying seconds and the way Mali captain and ref in charge shoved each other is absolutely incredible and embarassing.

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  22. Absolutely embarrassing behaviour from the Malien players, and I hope CAF punish the federation for that. But did Adel forget to book Diakite for execessive celebration? I never saw anything on the displays

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    1. It seems CAF's website shows a 2nd yellow card for him, so at least the Egyptian referee escaped complete embarrassment but still, not great even though it was a very hard game to officiate

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    2. He did give him a SYC, the last of nine bookings in the game. Such a disgraceful reaction by Mali, especially given that Adel was absolutely justified to blow up and deny the corner - Ivory Coast had scored with only 20secs remaining. And such a pity he spoilt a really good impression by reacting as he did to the Malians, maybe costing himself a (semi)final as fourth man as he did. Adel though can hold his head high, imo. More than a question of foul recognition, disciplinary control and so on this veteran and hitherto unheralded Egyptian referee showed that he had the nerve, the bottle to impose HIS style and his decisions on this match in a very challenging context. Any doubts about the appointment were misplaced. Bravo, sir.

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    3. I agree with Mikael and his analysis. I just want to clarify that a referee should never react but if he feels he is in danger of a real attack... well, I can't say the contrary!

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    4. Yes, that’s true, they really besieged him at the end, probably he had to do sth…

      In the most didactic analysis, part of the thesis for the assault was Adel losing control of the game after the restart - a huge confrontation followed by no sanctions, let alone not even any warnings. According to pure UEFA RAPs, he would be killed for that in our continent! BUT, of course you can understand it in the circumstances. Adel did really well today and showed himself not only to be a strong referee, but also a strong man. To say it again: bravo, sir!

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  23. 44 min south Africa player box defender from capverd no var cheek

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    1. Yes - from the wide camera angle we got, it looked like a VC by Percy Tau. Cape Verde player should also have been penalised with both a foul and a caution for SPA impeding. So given that the optimal decisions looked like a freekick, one YC and then probably a RC... the final call ended up as a dropped ball, and only a warning between the two players (to be fair, they did shake hands afterwards). The Ivorian fourth official, whose selection can probably come under the heading of a 'political choice', was in a perfect position to see everything and apparently didn't.

      Otherwise, very quiet game for Ndala thus far, one YC given.

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    2. https://www.streambug.io/cv/b52ea9

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    3. We seem to rarely disagree, but from the wide angle I believe what Broos was mimicking was correct. It looked like a two handed shove to the chest--below the neck.

      Obviously you can get yellow cards out of this easily. And in some games you absolutely must. But given the result Ndala got here and the non-frantic manner in which he accomplished it, I think you actually have to give him a lot of credit.

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  24. Overall the dissent and disrespect towards the referees in African cup and Asian cup have been too much. The referees allow way too much instead of punishing it.

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  25. Ndala is clearly a good referee but is a bit far from the play at times. Could make his game more difficult later on when small free kicks mean more

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  26. 10 yellows 1 red from Anthony Taylor! Challenging match!

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    1. Including a very correct second yellow for konate. However, Gabriel should have followed when he clearly pulled Nunez to the ground. Instead this was ignored and a YC given to Nunez for dissent. Always happens to Taylor who certainly doesn't help himself

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    2. I get trying to let the game go, but Taylor and pawson seem to have the same issue this season, let everything go in the first half then in the second half (mainly last 30 mins) every foul seems to be a yellow. I get giving yellows depending on temperature of the match but leads to inconsistency. Thoughts?

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    3. You just can't give someone a yellow for something then not give a yellow to someone else for the same thing a minute later

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    4. Taylor has issues since ever, not this season!

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  27. I disagree. Why a second yellow? For me FK is enough. But as you said, if this is second yellow then so is the next. Inconsistent. Another poor display from Taylor, a very poor season from him so far.

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    1. I think first one was harsh, second was a yellow IMO

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    2. Poor display? What are you talking about. You can argue that Gabriel should have seen a 2nd YC in injury time but totally immaterial on the outcome of the match. He kept a feisty game under wraps and was excellent in disciplining any dissent which was a breath of fresh air. Got the non-penalty call for Arsenal spot on as well. Ridiculous take

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    3. Totally immaturely on the result is impossible to say or not. Get that decision right how it’s not a freekick is really poor from Taylor, showing his usual inconsistent foul detection. Then the third goal following it. With that decision it’s 10 vs 10 for min 5 mins gives Liverpool a chance (no matter how poor they where) to Nick an equaliser.

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    4. Inconsistent foul detection yet you've cited 1 example all match of a foul that could have been awarded, Taylor was very good all match. No nonsense approach which I loved when it came to dissent. Just typical Taylor haters picking holes in a game he reffed really well. There's a reason he gets handed big games and trusted by UEFA and FIFA.

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    5. There was also Gabriel pulling Jota (exact same as Konate 1st yellow ) and Gakpo to ground by his shirt and nothing given. Yet Martineli only had to feel a touch in the arm to dive and get a freekick.

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    6. While Taylor is a very good referee, some of his reputation is built on how well he dealt with the Christian Eriksen collapse at the Euros. He should be an expert in control as he is an ex-prison officer. Think UEFA prefer Taylor over Oliver though

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  28. Who will referee semi finals African cup of nations ?

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    Replies
    1. Amin Omar (EGY) Nigeria - South Africa
      Ibrahim Mutaz (LBY) Ivory Coast - RD Congo

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  29. Africa Cup of Nations 2023 Ivory Coast
    Semifinals

    Nigeria - South Africa

    Referee: Amin Mohamed Omar (EGY)
    Assistant Referee 1: Mahmoud Ahmed Kamedl Abouregal (EGY)
    Assistant Referee 2: Ahmed Hossameldin Taha Ibrahim (EGY)
    Fourth Official: Mahmood Ali Mahmood Ismail (SDN)
    Reserve Assistant Referee: Amsaaed Attia M. Essa (LBY)
    Video Assistant Referee: Benbraham Lahlou (ALG)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Omar Abdulkadir Artan (SOM)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Diana Chicotesha (ZAM)


    Ivory Coast - RD Congo

    Referee: Ibrahim Mutaz A. Ibrahim (LBY)
    Assistant Referee 1: Hassani Khalil (TUN)
    Assistant Referee 2: Liban Abdoulrazack (DJI)
    Fourth Official: Bouh Abdel Aziz (MTN)
    Reserve Assistant Referee: Gilbert Cheriyot (KEN)
    Video Assistant Referee: Rivet Maria Pakuita Cinquela (MRI)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Mahmoud Mohamed Ashour H. (EGY)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Ibrahim Abdallah Mohamed (SDN)

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    1. Final Beida or Ndala?

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    2. My predictions it will be Ghorbal/M. Adel (North Africa)

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