TheCable

Egyptian Ghead Grisha, the referee who awarded Zambia a dubious, last-minute penalty against Nigeria at AFCON 2013, has been appointed by FIFA to man the 2018 World Cup qualifier between Zambia and Nigeria on October 9.

Grisha was in charge of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group-phase clash between the Super Eagles and the Chipolopolo, at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa.

The match ended 1-1 after he awarded a controversial 86th-minute penalty to Zambia, which was converted by goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) subsequently suspended Grisha from the tournament, for his performance in that match, and the Super Eagles went on to win the tournament, beating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final after upsetting Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-final.

For the World Cup qualifier, Grisha will be assisted by fellow Egyptians Tahssen Abo El Sadat Bedyer (assistant referee 1), Ahmed Hossameldin Taha (assistant referee 2) and Ibrahim Noureldin (Fourth Official).

Also appointed is renown Zeli Sinko, former Cote d’Ivoire FIFA-badged referee, who will serve as referee assessor, while Mahamadu Nuru Deen Jawula, former Ghana FA president, will be match commissioner.

The match is scheduled to kick off at the Levy Nwanawasa Stadium in Ndola at 2.30pm Zambian time, which is 1.30pm Nigerian time.

Grisha, 40, has been a FIFA referee since 2008.