The UNAF U20 match between Tunisia and Libya, held in Egypt as part of the qualifications for the 2027 CAN U20, ended in a dramatic scene. Algerian assistant referee Mohamed Refik Ouina was at the center of the controversy, with his decision confirmed by analysis of the situation. The match was tied 1-1, and Tunisia had just earned a corner kick.
In a last-ditch effort to score, Tunisian goalkeeper Slim Bouaskar left his goal to join the attack in the Libyan box. However, the Libyans quickly regained possession and launched a counterattack towards the now-empty Tunisian goal. With several Libyan players sprinting towards the goal, Ouina raised his flag to signal offside, enraging the Libyan players and staff.
The Libyan team felt that the goal was almost certain, and the situation benefited the Algerian team. However, according to the rules, when a goalkeeper leaves his goal and advances into the opponent's field, like in a corner kick situation, he is still considered a defender, just like a field player. The rule does not differentiate between goalkeepers and field players; for an attacker to avoid offside, there must be two defenders between them and the opponent's goal line.
At the time of the Libyan pass, the attacker had already crossed the midfield line and was closer to the Tunisian goal than the last Tunisian defender. Bouaskar was far from his goal, inside the Libyan box, leaving only one Tunisian player between the attacker and the goal line. This made the scene deceptive, as the presence of the goalkeeper in the opponent's box could give the impression of a regular situation.
The crucial point is the position of the last two defenders at the time of the pass, not their usual position on the field. The attacker would have avoided offside if he were in his own field or if a second Tunisian player were behind him. Ouina's decision, spectacular in its context but in line with the laws of the game, ended a significant Libyan scoring opportunity.
The match ultimately ended 1-1, with Tunisia eliminated and Libya missing a valuable chance before their final match against Morocco. The Algerian U20 team now has their fate in their hands but must beat Egypt, who are playing at home in the UNAF tournament, to qualify for the 2027 CAN.
The outcome has significant implications for the teams involved, with Algeria's U20 team needing a win against Egypt to advance. The controversy surrounding Ouina's decision will likely continue to be debated, but it is clear that his call was in accordance with the game's regulations.
Key points
- Algerian assistant referee Mohamed Refik Ouina made a crucial call in a UNAF U20 match between Tunisia and Libya.
- The decision, which was confirmed by analysis, prevented a potential Libyan goal.
- The outcome has significant implications for the teams involved, with Algeria's U20 team needing a win against Egypt to advance.
