AFCON: ‘Worst ref Abongile Tom should officiate Nigeria game! He is protege of Victor Gomes but strict & strong’

South African referee Abongile Tom has been trending owing to his performance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), quarter-final game between Mali and Senegal.

The Teranga Lions won the game by a solitary goal thanks to the first-half strike by Iliman Ndiaye thanks to a blunder from The Eagles’ custodian Djigui Diarra who allowed the ball to creep under his arm.

Mali captain Yves Bissouma was shown his marching orders for two bookable offences. Have a look at how the fans reacted to Abongile Tom’s performance on Friday evening.

Strict and strong Tom deserves AFCON final

Abongile Tom is the protege of Victor Gomes. He is not good for African football. The referee needs to manage players in big games. Not to brandish a yellow card for any foul –  Ngwencane

Abongile Tom really wants to be a match official of the finals, strict and strong – Richman Sekatane

The game is never about the referee. To me, Abongile Tom is the worst referee of the tournament.  He has denied fans tantalising soccer because he is so emotional and irrational. He should learn to manage the game. Talk to players, warn them, then when they persist,  book! – Amos Baraza

Abongile Tom is doing a great job in this AFCON; officiating with authority and making the right decisions – Lunga Bigarm 

Nigeria deserve Abongile Tom

For wearing non-sponsor boots! Sounds like Abongile Tom’s ancestors working overtime –  Thokozani Tenza

Tom has had a decent outing here. Deserves one more game, but I want him in the final – Tidoo

Nigeria deserve Abongile Tom as the referee in the semi-final if they get past Algeria on Saturday – Yolande

I love this man’s decision-making, very profound and spot on. I think for me, he’s the referee of the tournament – Mr John Toto

Say what you want, but Abongile Tom is an excellent referee! Always spot on and impartial – Zamah