A referee who took charge of an Africa Cup of Nations match has admitted he made a major mistake during the game, describing the decision as a “critical error”.
The official’s comments came after the final whistle, as debate grew over the incident and its impact on the flow of the match. The referee acknowledged that the call should not have been made in the way it was, accepting responsibility for the moment that drew the strongest reaction.
In his remarks, the referee said he had “committed a grave mistake”, a clear admission that the decision did not meet the standard expected at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The revelation adds to the discussion around officiating at the tournament, especially in high-pressure matches where a single call can shift momentum and change the mood inside the stadium.
While the match result remains unchanged, the referee’s statement has brought fresh focus to the incident, with the error now confirmed by the official himself.
