CAF orders replay of abandoned African Champions League final
The Confederation of African Football has ordered the abandoned second leg of the CAF Champions League final between Esperance and Wydad Casablanca to be replayed at a neutral venue after this month’s Cup of Nations.
The turmoil in Africa’s premier club competition comes just over two weeks before the start of an expanded 24-team Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Tunisian club Esperance was initially handed the title after their opponent from Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca walked off an hour into last week’s return match in Tunis because VAR was unavailable to judge a disallowed equalizer.
CAF presidential advisor Hedi Hamel had made this known following a lengthy executive committee meeting in Paris.
Esperance was leading 1-0 in the second leg and 2-1 overall when the play was halted, and after a 90-minute delay the referee awarded the match to the home side.
However, the playing and security conditions were not met during the second leg of the CAF Champions League final and this prevented the match from reaching its conclusion.
As a result, the match will have to be replayed at a ground outside of Tunisia, and Esperance will have to give the trophy back.
