Referee Assaulted for Ending U-23 Match Early in Ntchisi
Published on January 5, 2026 at 5:09 PM by Evance Kapito
Football referee Rabson Kafakale was assaulted on Sunday after blowing the final whistle before the full 45 minutes of the second half had elapsed during a National Bank U-23 Cup match in Ntchisi District.
The incident occurred during a match between Ntchisi Tigers and Nthondo Select, which was concluded about 30 minutes into the second half.
Ntchisi District Football Committee chairperson Ian Kapondera confirmed the incident, explaining that both teams had earlier been informed that the match would be played for a shorter duration because it started late.
However, despite this prior agreement, Kafakale was attacked after signaling full time.
Kapondera said the district football committee has since withheld prizes as investigations are underway to establish who was responsible for the assault.
At the time the final whistle was blown, Ntchisi Tigers were leading the match 2–1 against Nthondo Select.
Football authorities have condemned the violence, stressing that referees must be protected and that disputes should be handled through proper channels.
