WATCH: Gomes wins over fans, described as one of the world’s best refs

Gomes caught the attention of many onlookers from around the football world after his comical interaction with Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah during the AFCON final, with the South African referee offering the Egypt star his whistle and asking if he wanted to referee the game.

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In a tense, goalless first half of the final between Senegal and Egypt, Gomes had grown tired of Salah questioning his decisions and was seen offering his whistle, cards and pen to the striker, asking if he wished to take over.

Overall, Gomes was lauded for the manner in which he handled the final, and former referee Ace Ncobo has since told Soccer Laduma there is good reason to view the 39-year-old as one of the best officials in the game at the moment.

“Just like the winners, Senegal, are now officially regarded as the best national team after lifting the cup, so it applies to the officials who were tasked to handle the final.

“He was outstanding, not only in the final, but in all the matches he handled. Everyone could see that he was not intimidated by the moment, managing players with the trademark smile but also stern rebuke when needed.

“He’s being considered for the World Cup. The AFCON stage just about sealed the deal for his appointment to the panel,” Ncobo added. 

You can watch the viral clip involving Gomes and Salah below:

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