Focus on ref in Sundowns’ R1 billion match

Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League semi-final, second leg against Esperance on Friday will generate as much interest for the football played as it will on how it is officiated.

Sundowns need to overcome Esperance to not only reach the final of the Champions League, where USD4 million (approx. R76 million) is at stake for the winners, but also qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup without looking over their shoulders or applying mathematics.

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There is a reported R1 billion prizemoney on offer just for qualifying teams for the Club World Cup in USA.

Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca are already in, while the winners of this year’s CAF Champions League and the best-placed club in the CAF ranking system will get the third and fourth tickets respectively.

The celebrated qualification will be in lifting the Champions League and leaving the stress of the ranking system path to TP Mazembe and Esperance.

Friday’s second leg match has been handed Senegalese referee Issa Sy. 

The 39-year-old has handled games in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, African Football League, AFCON finals, World Cup qualifiers, CAF Super Cup and FIFA U20 World Cup.

He had the whistle for Bafana Bafana’s goalless draw against Tunisia at the AFCON finals in January.

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His assistants will be fellow countrymen Djibril Camara and Nouha Bangoura, with Adalbert Diouf as the fourth official.

Pierre Ghislain Atcho of Gabon will oversee the VAR and assisted by Diana Chikotesha from Zambia.

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