There was mass confusion during the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday as twice the referee blew early for full-time as Mali beat Tunisia.
Janny Sikazwe initially concluded the contest in the 86th minute, but after realising his error restarted the match.
The official then proceeded to blow his full-time whistle early for the second time, with 89 minutes and 49 seconds gone, prompting the Tunisian bench to take to the field to remonstrate with the official.
The match ended in a 1-0 win for Mali after Ibrahima Kone scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot shortly after half-time.
In an enthralling second half, VAR also awarded a penalty to Tunisia in the 76th minute, which was missed by Wahbi Khazri, the referee also dismissed Mali’s El Bilal Toure for a challenge on Dylan Bronn in the 87th minute.
Considering the VAR check, sending off and confusion after the match was initially ended early, the referee’s decision not to add on any injury time was also called into question.
According to reports, the final three minutes of the Group F clash were set to be played out after officials interrupted Mali coach Mohamed Magassouba’s post-match press conference demanding a proper conclusion to the game.
However, after Mali's players took the pitch once more, Tunisia's opted not to. Fourth official Helder Martins de Carvalho replaced the referee and blew for the final whistle once more, ending the contest for a third time.
