CAF Dismisses Mamelodi Sundowns Complaint Against Moroccan Referee After Al Ahly Match in Cairo

• Continental football governing body CAF has rejected a complaint filed by Mamelodi Sundowns against a referee appointed by the organisation
• The Brazilians were not particularly impressed with Moroccan referee Redouane Jayed's handling of their fixture against Al Ahly in Cairo three weeks ago
• He was accused of overzealously cautioning Sundowns players for small infractions, while letting Ahly players get away with more serious transgressions

CAF rejected a complaint by Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of its dramatic CAF Champions League fixture against Al Ahly last Saturday.

The Brazilians complained to the continent's football governing body after the corresponding fixture in Cairo three weeks ago. It related to the alleged conduct of that encounter's referee, Moroccan Redouane Jiyed.

According to Soccer Laduma, what annoyed Sundowns was co-coach Rulani Mokwena's red card as well as goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene being shown a yellow card for "unsporting conduct". Furthermore, midfielder Lyle Lakay was also carded, with the hosts not receiving a single caution despite committing blatant fouls which deserved a caution or two.

Gaston Sirino injured after returning from injury, joins a number of Mamelodi Sundowns players out of action

Football

Sundowns stated in a letter sent to CAF that the Referees Committee review match, and to also look at appointing referees from west, east or central Africa for a neutral presence in a crucial encounter.

Sundowns went on to win the return fixture comfortably at Soccer City courtesy of a 23rd-minute strike by Namibian goal machine Peter Shalulile.

CAF said in its reply:

“We have noted your concerns. Our technical experts have reviewed the match and they concluded that the referees performed at the expected level.”

CAF Champions League: Fallout continues as Mamelodi Sundowns investigates Al Ahly bus blockage

Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed that they will investigate an alleged incident that happened before their CAF Champions League match against Al Ahly at the FNB Stadium near Soweto, Sports Brief reported.

The Al Ahly convoy was reported to have been blockaded by sparsely-numbered Sundowns fans as it approached the venue, leading to its delay in entering the stadium's premises.

The visitors revealed in a statement on the club website, before the game, that they had subsequently submitted a complaint to CAF's match commissioner.