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Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was praised for decisive red card in intense AFCON match.
Somalia referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan in his second match at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations found himself at the center of a significant controversy during the tense Round of 16 clash between Equatorial Guinea and Guinea.
The match, which ultimately saw Guinea emerge victorious with a dramatic 1-0 win, was marked by a moment of high drama when Equatorial Guinea's Federico Bikoro was shown a straight red card for a shocking kung-fu style kick.
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In the 55th minute, with the game still delicately balanced, Bikoro's moment of madness turned the tables. The Club African midfielder, in a moment of clear frustration, committed a dangerous foul against Guinea's Mohamed Bayo.
The severity of the challenge was not lost on Artan, who promptly showed Bikoro a red card, effectively changing the course of the game.
This decisive action drew praise from commentators and fans alike, many of whom noted Artan's firm but fair approach to officiating.
The tackle, which saw Bikoro's studs make forceful contact with Bayo's chest, was reminiscent of a martial arts move, earning it comparisons to the legendary Bruce Lee.
One commentator was heard remarking, "He followed through rather nastily there, catching Bayo in the rib cage and with some force as well. Bruce Lee might have been proud of that one,' as reported by Daily Star.
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Artan's decision to send off Bikoro was not just a pivotal moment in the game but also a topic of widespread discussion among fans on social media.
Comments ranged from humorous to serious, with references to martial arts and previous infamous football tackles, such as Nigel de Jong's karate kick on Xabi Alonso in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.
Despite the controversial incident, Guinea managed to secure a narrow victory, thanks to a late winner in added time.
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This win set up a quarter-final clash against DR Congo, further intensifying the excitement of the tournament.
Guinea, having finished third in a tough group that included powerhouses Senegal and Cameroon, showed resilience and tactical acumen in overcoming the challenge posed by Equatorial Guinea.
For Omar Abdulkadir Artan, this match was a significant milestone in his refereeing career.
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Having already officiated a match between Tunisia and Namibia, his handling of this high-pressure game, especially in dealing with Bikoro's reckless challenge, has brought him into the limelight.
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