It was a shame indeed! Africa, were we bewitched? These were the frustrations from football fans from Africa after a shameful CAF Champions League finals at Stade Olympique de Rades on May 31 to June 1.
Esperance de Tunis have were crowned CAF Champions League winners after their opponents, Wydad Casablanca, refused to return to the field in protest of VAR not being implemented on a goal that was ruled out.
The controversial moment came in the 58th minute of the Champions League final second-leg clash, when Wydad midfielder Walid El Karti’s effort was ruled out.
Gambian referee Bakari Gassama chose not to use video assistance to review the goal, which led to Wydad walking off the pitch and refusing to return.
After the game was halted for over an hour, Gassama declared Esperance the champions due to Wydad’s refusal to re-enter the pitch.
This seems to be the situation:
– Wydad score a legitimate goal that is called OFFSIDE.
– Replays show the player was onside but theres no attempt to see VAR by referee Gassama
-Wydad refuse to continue without checking VAR replays.#CAFCL #CAFCLfinal pic.twitter.com/sGixo8KrvO— Ahmed Osman (@ahmz_osman) May 31, 2019
In what have been described as shameful scenes for the tournament’s organisers, reports later suggested VAR was not used due to technical issues with the system.
Amid chaotic scenes, CAF president Ahmed Ahmed entered the pitch in an attempt to reason with the players and explain why VAR was not used.
Amazing that even @CAF_Online boss Ahmad Ahmad has to come into the argument. Very good game of football before and now madness. Its a shame@ESTuniscom @WACofficiel#CAFCLfinal pic.twitter.com/OAYxpNmdGd
— Ismael Kiyonga (@IsmaelKiyonga) May 31, 2019
The first leg of their final ended with a draw of 1-1 but was also riddled with controversy.
After the second leg final mess, many were filled with rage and bashed how the final was managed. Some also claimed that corruption took centre stage and was the cause of unfairness.
Only in Africa….Champions League final…..Match started in May …Ended in June🙆🏼♂️🙆🏼♂️🤷🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️😡😡😡#CAFCLFinal pic.twitter.com/bnq93Oo0Fy
— Alvin_G🦉 (@Alvin_Geesus) May 31, 2019
What happened during #CAFCLFinal was a disgrace.
Now small teams like Chiefs will always use this as an excuse for failing to compete in Champion League
— Black is Gold, It's Beautiful Ngwana wa Pa le Mma (@BlackisGoldz) June 1, 2019
Clearly no offside, the goal should have been allowed. I support Wydad players here. We tired of these corrupt officials. The game must be called off now amd be rescheduled. CAF must stop the 2 leg finals. #CAFCL #CAFCLfinal #SSFootball #CAFCLFinal pic.twitter.com/I4xcHDoNWy
— Mr Piet (@MrPiet543) May 31, 2019
Where is @FIFAcom fair play. Awarding the @CAF_Online champions league trophy to Esperance of Tunisia is absolutely unjust. Wydad only ask for a VAR Review to authenticate their goal, is that too much to ask? #CAFCLFinal
— Nurudeen Olaitan (@NurdeanO) May 31, 2019
It was shameful to hear that the VAR had technical hitch in such a crucial match. Many are left now questioning the seriousness and the credibility of the CAF officials beginning with its president.