AWCON 2022: Drama As Ethiopian Referee Under Attack for Awarding Late Penalty to South Africa

• South Africa vs Zambia ended in a win for the Banyana Banyana who have booked their place in the final of the ongoing AWCON tournament
• Fans had thought the game would end 0-0 in regulation time, but Lydia Tafessa Abebe awarded a penalty to Banyana Banyana in stoppage time
• Linda Motlhalo then scored to see South Africa through, but Zambians have claimed that the penalty was ‘manufactured’

Ethiopian referee Lydia Tafessa Abebe has been subjected to social media backlash following her officiating in the AWCON semifinal between Zambia and South Africa.

The Copper Queens of Zambia took on Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the first semifinal encounter of the ongoing 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Monday at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.

Zambia's defence proved too strong for the South Africans who were clearly favourites, but as it seems the encounter was heading for a draw, the match referee Lydia Tafessa Abebe awarded a penalty to Banyana Banyana in the third minute of stoppage-time.

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Linda Motlhalo stepped up to win it for South Africa and the match referee immediately blew the final whistle which left the Zambian fans furious.

Fans claimed the incident which led to a spot kick occurred just at the edge of the box and not inside the penalty area.

One said:

“I challenge you to watch the same match again! You will appreciate what we are talking about. Moreover, the defender, Martha Tembo, successfully blocked the ball before the collision/contact with the striker.”

Another added:

“You are just a useless ref. You were always so quick on wanting to award South Africa something to win the game. Even the first penalty it was clear you were up to something fishy, anyway enjoy the dollars you have been given and hope shame will follow you.”

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Another angry fan wrote:

“In Zambia we say ‘uli chisushi’ translation you did what you of the knowledge you were impacted.

Nigerians blast CAF, referee after loss to Morocco

Meanwhile, Sports Brief earlier reported that Nigerians are unimpressed with the officiating of the Morocco vs Nigeria clash at the ongoing Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

Both countries faced off in an epic semifinal encounter clash at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat as the winner headed straight to the final.

Nigerians have taken to social media to lambast the Confederation of African football as well as the match officials, saying they all wanted Morocco to win.