Abongile Tom set to officiate blockbuster AFCON clash

SA ref to officiate big AFCON match

Photo: Abongile Tom

South African referee Abongile Tom has been appointed to officiate the blockbuster Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final clash between Mali and Senegal on Friday.

The Eastern Cape-born official will be assisted by fellow country man Zakhele Siwela as the first assistant, while Lesotho's Souru Phatsoane will serve as the second assistant.

Tom was also in charge of the Round of 16 encounter between Mali and Tunisia, where the Eagles beat the North Africans 2-1 on penalties.

Interestingly, Mali are yet to win a game from open play in the ongoing continental showpiece in Morocco, having drawn all their group stage matches.

Now, they are set to lock horns with one of tournament favorites Senegal, with a spot in the semi-final at stake.

The Lions of Terranga dispatched Sudan 3-1 in the Round of 16 to set up a meeting with Tom Saintfiet's charges.

Notably, Pape Thiaw's side will be boosted by the return of influential captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who was serving suspension in the previous match.