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

CAN 2025 - "Let’s hope he doesn’t blow the whistle in the 85th": Mejbri’s jab ahead of Mali – Tunisia

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.

A jab that reopens an old wound

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:

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.