AFCON 2021: Mali hit out at “questionable” decisions in last-16 defeat

Mali crashed out of the AFCON after a shock defeat against Equatorial Guinea.

Mali could not break the deadlock during the first 120 minutes of their Africa Cup of Nations clash against Equatorial Guinea. The underdogs used the opportunity to stun the Eagles in the penalty shoot-outs, winning the game 6-5.

Following their unexpected elimination, Mali has questioned some of the decisions made by VAR during the game. The video assistant prevented the referee from awarding the Eagles spot-kicks on two occasions.

🇬🇶 Since 2012, Equatorial Guinea has reached the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations 3 times: 2012, 2015 & 2021

That’s more QF appearances in the last 10 years than the likes of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria & South Africa pic.twitter.com/crkluTPrIQ
— Walid Ziani (@bylka613_) January 27, 2022

“Unfortunately, we find with much regret that the VAR is often involved in actions that can decide the final outcome of a match,” read a letter on the FA’s statement reads.

“During the Last 16 game which put Mali against Equatorial Guinea last night, the VAR cancelled a penalty given to Mali by the referee of the match in the box. Although VAR remained silent on the case of the blatant and visible handball by the Equatoguinean player in the box.

“Mali accept our defeat with fair play and congratulate Equatorial Guinea for their qualification to the quarter-finals. But we are officially protesting against this act which appears too questionable.”

The Eagles will now prepare for the third round of the World Cup qualifiers. They will host Tunisia on March 23 before meeting them in the second leg six days later.