Football: Caf Champions League |17 May 2023

LEWIS MADELEINE …. Named match commissioner of Wydad Casablanca v Mamelodi Sundowns showdown

Lewis Madeleine appointed second leg semifinal match commissioner

The Confédération Africaine de Football has appointed Seychellois Lewis Madeleine as match commissioner for the second leg of the semifinal match of its Champions League between defending champions Wydad Casablanca and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa.

The second leg match is scheduled to take place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria after the two side left on a 0-0 tie in the first leg at Stade Mohammed V, in Casablanca on May 13.

Mr Madeleine noted that the call-up is a great achievement, both for him, and the Seychelles Football federation (SFF).

He said he is proud to be part of the great team chosen by the Confédération Africaine de Football (Caf) for the match, especially to work alongside his referee assessor, Zimbabwean Felix Tangawarima who formed him.

The duty of a match commissioner is to supervise the correct organisation of a match and for ensuring that the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa) regulations and instructions are observed, ensuring that the matches are delivered as per the schedule and regulations, resolving any operational or competition matters as necessary, and liaising with the team representatives.

In the first leg match, Mamelodi Sundowns started the game strongly and Peter Shalulile scored a goal after 10 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

The South Africans maintained their dominance until striker Neo Maema was sent off in the 44th minute for a reckless challenge on Wydad midfielder Amine Aboulfath.

The hosts upped their game, making use of their numerical advantage, but Zouheir El Moutarji, Hamid Ahadad and Bouly Junior Sambou all missed good chances to take the lead.

With time running out, VAR was called into action again as referee Daniel Nii Laryea showed Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende a second yellow card for a challenge on Wydad's Arsene Zola.

The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Pretoria on Saturday.

Roland Duval