Senegal Vs Burkina Faso “Fans Man of the Match

Senegalese talisman Sadio Mane may have been Awarded the Total Energies ” MAN of the MATCH” award after his sides 3-1 win over Burkina Faso in the first semi final of the 2021 African cup of Nations, but the man who took most of the plaudits from fans across the globe was Referee Bamlak Tessema of Ethiopia.

A medical researcher by profession, yesterday was Bamlak’s third game at the ongoing AFCON and his decision to Overturn two penalty calls after pitch side VAR reviews, Friendly yet cautious approach and his overall management of the game drew plaudits from football fans across various social media platforms.

For a tournament which has left fans critical of the standard of officiating in Africa, it was refreshing to see fans praise the performance of Referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa of Ethiopia and draw even more plaudits than the Senegalese team who played their hearts out to secure a second consecutive AFCON Final appearance.

Here are some of the Comments by social media users

@UwemDaniel wrote

 ” I’m relieved to see an African referee who is so honest and firm today. I heard he is Ethiopian, other referees should learn from him”

@IdrissaKoulibaily

” Even though the penalties overturned were against us Senegalese, I was surprised seeing a referee go to the monitor on two occasions and sincerely correct his decisions with a smile. Fantastic game”

@OlawenrajuAkanbi

” Fantastic refereeing the referee to cancel the yellow card and penalty awarded the Senegalese “

@RaguiAP

” PL referees can learn a thing or two from these African referees regarding the use of VAR “

” Man of the Match ” Referee Bamlak” – @CosmosAnthony