CAF on Monday, May 1 condemned the incidents that occurred during the matches Raja Casablanca-Al Ahly and Esperance Tunis-JS Kabylie. The African soccer governing body is considering opening an investigation.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) did not like the incidents around the Champions League matches played over the weekend in Morocco and Tunisia. The body thus strongly condemns these unsportsmanlike acts. "The scenes that took place in Tunis and Casablanca are unacceptable and we can not tolerate this in soccer. We condemn with the utmost firmness the acts of indiscipline of some fans. CAF will entrust the case to its judicial structures for further investigation," said CAF Secretary General Mosengo-Omba, via a statement.
Two matches: a 30-minute delay and a death
Esperance hosted JS Kabylie in Tunis in the quarterfinal second leg of the Champions League (1-1). While the score was blank until the break, supporters of ES Tunis tried to enter the field according to Radio Mosaic. An opposition will follow with by police. Clashes will set fire to part of the stands and will force the suspension of the match for 30 minutes. The Tunisians will qualify after a draw against the Algerians (1-1, 2-1 on aggregate).
If the incidents in Tunisia have done less damage, in Morocco, it is quite the opposite that happened. A Moroccan supporter lost her life in the scuffles that started even before the kick-off of the match Raja Casablanca against Al Ahly (0-0, 0-2 in the first leg). She would have fainted while the fans were rushing to reach the stands.
Al Ahly va affronter l’Esperence de Tunis en demi-finale de LDC de la CAF.
Hier soir des incidents ont eu lieu à Radès. Une tronçonneuse au stade ? 🧐
Des sanctions de la CAF vont certainement tombés… affaire à suivre. 🇹🇳 #TotalEnergiesCAFCL
pic.twitter.com/TuRAKtS69j— Onze Masr (@onzemasr) April 30, 2023
A chaotic situation that leads to a huge scramble at the entrance. Faced with helpless police officers, a huge crowd rushed to force their way in. After the meeting, the situation degenerated leading to clashes between fans. All relayed in videos that have gone viral on social networks.
Heavy sanctions are expected from CAF. These incidents, in any case, tarnish the image of Morocco, which wants to organize the 2025 AFCON. The Cherifian kingdom is also in the race for the organization of the World Cup 2030 with Spain and Portugal. The second leg between Wydad Casablanca and Mamelodi Sundowns on May 19 in the semi-finals of the Champions League will be closely watched. Esperance Sportive de Tunis could also pay heavily for these scuffles. A closed door to the return match against Al Ahly could be decided.
