In a match that was as much about the refereeing as it was about the football, Al Ahly suffered a controversial 2-1 loss to Orlando Pirates in Cairo, leading to a heated debate over the officiating in the CAF Champions League. Al Ahly’s coach, Marcel Koller, expressed frustration with the match officials after a seemingly legitimate goal was chalked off for offside during stoppage time. Critics have further fueled the controversy by claiming that two clear penalties for Al Ahly were overlooked, potentially altering the outcome significantly.
Koller, who has guided Al Ahly to consecutive Champions League titles, refrained from directly criticizing Mauritanian referee Babacar Sarr. However, he pointedly questioned the absence of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the group stages, suggesting that it might have changed the officiating errors that marred the match. “Why does CAF not use video technology in the group stage? The African Champions League is the biggest tournament at the competitive level on the continent,” Koller remarked, highlighting the need for technological assistance in critical matches.
The disallowed goal by defender Rami Rabia, along with the neglected penalty calls, didn’t sit well with fans and pundits alike. Critics argue that these decisions denied Al Ahly a potentially different path in the match, even if the draw would not have affected their qualification for the quarterfinals.
Adding to Al Ahly’s woes, Koller noted the challenges posed by a hectic schedule and missing key players. Fresh off a 3-1 victory against Stade d’Abidjan in Ivory Coast, Al Ahly also had to contend with a midweek Egyptian Premier League clash, leaving the team fatigued for the weekend encounter. In contrast, the Pirates had a more forgiving schedule, allowing them to prepare more extensively for the crucial group stage face-off.
Despite the controversy, Orlando Pirates demonstrated tactical resilience and capitalized on their opportunities. Goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa secured their top spot in Group C, with the Pirates ending on a morale-boosting 14 points to Al Ahly’s 10. Coach Jose Riveiro praised his team’s growth, marking their first progression past the group stage since reaching the 2013 final.
Pirates’ goalkeeper, Sipho Chaine, was instrumental in their victory, making crucial saves to maintain the lead. “The players must focus in the next stage,” Koller emphasized, determined not to let the loss overshadow Al Ahly’s journey towards the tournament’s later stages.
As both teams advance to the quarterfinals, the debate over CAF’s officiating standards and the absence of VAR in the group stage lingers. For Al Ahly, the focus will be on regrouping and addressing the gaps exposed in Cairo. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates will hope to draw a favorable opponent as they continue their campaign to reclaim glory on the continental stage.
