CAN 2025 / Mali - Tunisia: "Let’s hope the referee doesn’t blow the whistle in the 85th," Hannibal Mejbri jokes about officiating

On the eve of the CAN 2025 round of 16 clash between Mali and Tunisia, Hannibal Mejbri lightened the mood… while also rekindling a still-sensitive memory. In the mixed zone, the Tunisian midfielder made a tongue-in-cheek comment about officiating, drawing smiles but also reminding everyone of a memorable incident.

See also: CAN 2025 / Mali - Tunisia: When and on which channels to watch the match live?

A jab that reopens an old wound

“We’ll stay focused, let’s hope the referee doesn’t blow the whistle in the 85th minute,” said Mejbri,

making a clear reference to the infamous CAN 2021 episode, when Tunisia’s match against Mali was cut short. Back then, Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe (now retired) first blew for full time in the 85th minute, then ended the match for good at 89:45, leaving everyone bewildered.

To explain the incident, Sikazwe later cited the grueling weather conditions:

“It was extremely hot, with terrible humidity over 80%. Even during my warm-up, it was tough.”

Mejbri playfully reopened this page from the past, just hours before a high-stakes showdown where, this time, focus on the pitch will be the only thing that matters.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.