CAF President Motsepe admits Yanga’s Aziz Ki goal against Mamelodi Sundowns was legitimate
What you need to know:
- Speaking upon arrival in Zanzibar to witness the African Schools Football Championship, Motsepe said Aziz Ki's goal was legitimate and that he told Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) president Wallace Karia about it
Dar es Salaam. The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has acknowledged that Young Africans (Yanga) were unfairly denied a chance to advance to the semifinals of the CAF Champions League, saying Stephane Aziz Ki's goal against Mamelodi Sundowns was legitimate.
In the match, Mauritian referee Dahane Beida disallowed Aziz Ki's goal in the 57th minute after he received a pass from Kennedy Musonda.
The incident occurred on April 5, 2024, during a tense match at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The ball struck the crossbar and clearly crossed the goal line before bouncing back onto the field.
However, much to the dismay of Yanga and their supporters, referee Beida controversially disallowed the goal.
The decision prompted criticism from local referees and analysts, many of whom believing that the goal should have been allowed.
Despite clear evidence that the ball had crossed the goal line, the referee's ruling stood, leaving Yanga frustrated and questioning the integrity of the officiating.
Both Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials and Beida agreed that the ball had not crossed the goal line.
The decision also caused a significant controversy among football stakeholders, with Yanga filing a complaint to CAF to investigate the disputed goal and potential match-fixing elements.
However, CAF upheld the on-field result, with Mamelodi Sundowns winning 3-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in two matches.
Speaking upon arrival in Zanzibar to witness the African Schools Football Championship on May 24, 2024, Motsepe said Aziz Ki's goal was legitimate and that he told Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) president Wallace Karia about it.
"As the President of CAF, I am not allowed to interfere in match matters or decisions as there are specific bodies responsible for handling such issues," said Motsepe.
Motsepe also expressed his happiness to be back in the country and his belief that the young players competing in the finals will be key players in their national teams as well as clubs.
"I have been encouraged by what is happening here in Zanzibar, with young talented players doing well. I believe they will be key for the national teams of their respective countries,” said Motsepe.
