South Africa’s Victor Gomes to Referee AFCON Final, Social Media Gears Up for Some Entertaining Officiating

• Senegal and Egypt will contest the 2021 AFCON final on Sunday with South African Victor Gomes in the middle
• Victor Gomes will officiate the final and fans are expecting some entertaining and exciting officiating
• South Africans are proud that a fellow countryman will be in the final while others are expecting some red cards and penalties

South Africa’s Victor Gomes will have the highest honour on Sunday when he officiates the African Cup of Nations final at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé.

After an exciting and entertaining tournament, which saw upsets along the way, Senegal and Egypt will meet in the final, CAF Online confirmed.

But while fans are excited to see Liverpool teammates Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah clash in the final, South African’s are celebrating their representation in the final.

As reported by News24, Gomes will officiate the final while fellow South African, Zakhele Siwela, will perform linesman duties.

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Fans took to social media to praise Gomes, calling him the best referee in Africa, but some poked fun at Gomes’ officiating history. Known as Mr Penalty, Gomes has earned a track record as being a no-nonsense referee who isn’t afraid to dish out cards or penalties.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the news:

@NdimUVuyo:

"I hope he delivers a great spectacle for us all."

@Jeff_Juice012:

"2 penalties plus a red card confirmed on this match"

@TumeloRICCADO:

"This will be entertaining. Red Card Confirmed."

@Lesego_Tshwene:

"Big ups Mr Gomes....fly the south africa's flag high"

@mcebo1409:

"I foresee 3 red cards and 2 penalties, all in the 1st 45 minutes!"

Egypt coach calls for Afcon Final Delayed: "Senegal has had 1 more day to train"

Earlier Sports Brief reported that Egypt's assistant coach, Diaa Al-Sayed had called on the Africa Cup of Nations final, between The Lions of Teranga and The Pharaohs, to be delayed by at least 24 hours.

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The Pharaohs beat Cameroon 3-1 in a penalty shootout after a goalless 120 minutes in Yaounde on Thursday, February 3 to set up a final against Senegal. Egypt needed penalties once again to get past Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

The final is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 6. Speaking after the game, Diaa Al-Sayed appealed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to push the final to Monday to allow his team to have ample time to rest.