Disgruntled Young Africans argue that their match against Mamelodi Sundowns was fixed when they lost to penalties on Friday night. Yanga played a draw over a two-legged affair against Sundowns but they lost on penalties at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. In the tightly contested affair in Tshwane on Friday night, Young Africans were denied a goal through VAR and they protested with CAF.
The loss in the CAF Champions League saw the East Africans failing to reach the semi-finals and they believe the clash was fixed as the VAR officials didn’t allow the goal to stand. Masandawana won the clash 3-2 on penalties but it was dominated by a moment of controversy in the second half when what looked like a legitimate goal by Stephane Aziz Ki was disallowed.
Young Africans Lodge Complaint Over Sundowns’ Loss
According to a statement and letter issued to CAF, Young Africans allege that the match was fixed and there was an administrative error.
In his post-match address, Yanga coach Miguel Gamondi strongly also criticised and questioned why Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida did not go to the VAR monitor to watch the incident and satisfy himself before sticking to his decision that it was not a goal.
“We, the undersigned, representing Young Africans Sports Club hereby submit this contest in accordance with Rule XVI of the CAF Champions League regulations as amended from time to time,” Young Africans said in a statement.
“The contest pertains to a possible administrative error and match-fixing incident during the quarterfinal match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Young Africans Sports Club played on April 5 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. During the match, in the 57th minute, Young Africans Sports Club player Aziz Ki Stephane (jersey No 10) scored a clear goal which was denied by the entire team of referees led by Mr Dahane Beida from Mauritania.”
“Despite the availability of video assistant referee (VAR) technology, Mr. Beida and his team, including Mr. Daniel Ayi (video assistant referee from Ghana) and Mr. Jerson Dos Santos (assistant VAR from Angola), intentionally neglected to review the goal incident through VAR, thereby disregarding the principles of fair play and justice in football.”
Young Africans Question Refereeing Decisions
The Tanzanian giants also added that the referees appointed by CAF, said they were poor and they favoured Sundowns. In addition, they allege actions by the referee team indicate a deliberate attempt to influence the outcome of the match in favour of Mamelodi Sundowns.
The incident raised questions about the integrity of refereeing standards and the effectiveness of VAR, they added.
“We request a thorough investigation into this matter by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to uncover any evidence of administrative error or match-fixing. Such actions are detrimental to the spirit of the game and must be addressed promptly to maintain the credibility of football competitions under Caf.”
Young Africans urged Caf to take appropriate remedial action, including but not limited to:
- Conducting a detailed review of the match footage and VAR records;
- Holding accountable any individuals found responsible for misconduct or negligence;
- Implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in future matches; as well as
- “Any other relief you may consider fair and appropriate to grant under rule XVI (3) of Caf Champions League regulations, as amended from time to time.”
As things stand, it remains to be seen if CAF will eventually respond and grant Young Africans an opportunity to replay the match.
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