MOUSSA Djenepo’s Mali have got off to a winning start in the Africa Cup of Nations with 1-0 victory over Tunisia, but the match ended in truly bizarre controversy thanks to a whistle-happy referee.

Ibrahima Kone’s penalty early in the second-half was the difference maker, despite Saints’ Djenepo giving away a late penalty with a handball inside the area.

Wahbi Khazri saw his resulting spot-kick saved by Mali keeper Ibrahim Mounkoro and then the referee blew the full-time whistle just 85 minutes into the contest.

Once Janny Sikazwe was informed of his mistake, play resumed but was then brought to an early close again – this time in the 89th minute.

Not before a highly controversial decision to send Mali’s El Bilal Toure received a straight red card following VAR consultation, for a high foot.

Carthage Eagles coach Mondher Kebaier and his technical staff rushed onto the field at full-time to confront Sikazwe, who failed to add any injury time despite the above stoppages, a drinks break and five substitution windows.

Then, officials rounded up the staff and players to RESTART the game over 30 minutes after it had ended, right in the middle of the Mali manager's press conference. 

The Mali team reentered the pitch and fans piled back in, but Tunisia seemingly refused to come back out and Mali were awarded the win. 

Incredible, incredible stuff.