The Tunisian hopeful champion of Africa while the Wydad withdraws after the VAR controversy – Africa – Sports

Tunisian hope was crowned African champion for the second consecutive season after her opponents, Wydad Casablanca, withdrew in protest against an unauthorized goal that was not referred. to the video badistant referee (VAR).

Esperance led 1-0 in the last return match to Rades thanks to a goal from Youcef Belaili in the first half, before Walid El Karti equaled the total score with a header in the 59th minute, countered by the flag.

The TV reruns showed that El Karti was clearly in the game, but Gambian referee Bakary Gbadama did not check the video response although the VAR technology was to be introduced in the final.

However, it turned out that VAR was not working due to a malfunction.

CAF President Ahmad Ahmad entered the field and was seen consulting many officials as the match was interrupted for about 90 minutes. The Wydad refusing to resume the game unless VAR was checked, Gasama gave his final whistle and Esperance went on the pitch.

"Before the match, the referee told us that there would be no VAR. It seems that the captain of Wydad does not understand French," Tunisian captain Khalil Chemmam said. beIN Sports after the cancellation of the match.

The controversy also invaded the first leg, as Wydad protested against the decision of Egyptian referee Gehad Greisha to deny him a goal due to a handball match. Greisha was suspended for six months by CAF, the African governing body, for what he called his "poor performance".

Esperance has recorded four victories in the Champions League. They will face the Egyptian team and the winners of the Confederations Cup, Zamalek, during the African Super Cup in August.

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