Another Mauritania referee to officiate Yanga-CBE duel
One of the most notable matches Bouh officiated was in the group stage of the CAF Champions League on December 2, 2023, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Bouh is no stranger to Yanga’s players and supporters. According to records, this will be the fourth time he is entrusted with officiating a Yanga match.
Dar es Salaam. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Mauritanian referee Abdel Aziz Mohamed Bouh to officiate the second preliminary round match of the CAF Champions League between Young Africans (Yanga) and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE).
This highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for Saturday at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, kicking off at 8:30pm East Africa Time (EAT).
He would be assisted by other Mauritania referees namely Brahim H’Made, Mohamed Youssef and Diou Moussa.
Bouh is no stranger to Yanga’s players and supporters. According to records, this will be the fourth time he is entrusted with officiating a Yanga match.
His familiarity with the team adds a unique layer of interest to the encounter.
Bouh’s previous experience with Yanga includes some memorable encounters in CAF competition.
One of the most notable matches Bouh officiated was in the group stage of the CAF Champions League on December 2, 2023, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
On that day, Yanga managed a 1-1 draw against Egyptian football giants Al Ahly.
The match was a crucial test for Yanga, and Bouh's handling of the game earned mixed reactions from the fans and the media. Another significant moment came when Yanga faced Mamelodi Sundowns in a historical CAF Champions League clash in South Africa.
Although Bouh was not the centre referee in that game, he served as the fourth official at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The match saw controversy unfold when Mauritanian referee
Dahane Beida disallowed a goal scored by Yanga’s Stephane Aziz Ki in the 59th minute. Aziz Ki had struck a powerful shot after receiving a pass from Kennedy Musonda, and the ball clearly crossed the goal line.
However, Beida ruled the goal out, much to the frustration of Yanga players and fans alike. The disallowed goal became a point of heated debate, and in the aftermath, CAF President Patrice Motsepe admitted that Aziz Ki’s goal should have stood.
This acknowledgment did little to change the result, but it validated the grievances expressed by the Jangwani Street club. Bouh’s involvement with Yanga doesn't end there.
He has also officiated matches involving Tanzanian national team players, many of whom are familiar faces at Yanga.
Bouh was in charge of a crucial World Cup qualifier between Tanzania’s Taifa Stars and Zambia’s Chipolopolo in Ndola. In that match, Tanzania secured a significant 1-0 victory away from home, further cementing Bouh’s reputation as a referee who has overseen key moments in Tanzanian football. Bouh's presence will likely evoke memories for Yanga fans, especially given the drama that unfolded in South Africa. Additionally, Bouh officiated a CAF Confederation Cup match on February 19, 2023, when Yanga hosted DR Congo’s TP Mazembe at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
In that encounter, Yanga triumphed 3-1, delivering an impressive performance in front of their home crowd.
Bouh’s return to officiate Yanga once more brings a sense of anticipation, as his past involvement with the club has been marked by significant moments.
With the stakes high in this second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, all eyes will be on the Mauritanian referee to see how he handles the pressure and the game’s intensity.
For Yanga, this match is crucial as they aim to advance in the competition and build on their recent successes.
The team will be hoping for a fair and well-officiated match, free from the controversies that have marked some of their past encounters.
Bouh’s experience and familiarity with Tanzanian football will likely ensure that the match is handled with professionalism and expertise.
Meanwhile, the CAF Confederation Cup match between Simba and Al Ahly Tripoli will be officiated by Abdoulaye Manet, a 34-year-old referee from Guinea.
Manet will be assisted by his fellow Guineans: Sidiki Sidibe, Yamoussa Sylla, and Bangaly Konate.
