Abdul-Fattah was spotted when he leaned his head back, refusing to let the Ahli player kiss him on the cheek as a warm greeting before the kickoff.

The international referee smiled at Gilberto afterwards, and the latter didn't seem to be upset.

"A kiss on the cheek could well be misinterpreted before the game," Abdul-Fattah said.

"I talked to Gilberto during the break, and he has no problem with my attitude," he added.

Abdul-Fattah signaled for two penalty kicks for hosts Angola in their 4-4 draw with Mali on Sunday.