Hakim Ziyech Slams African Refereeing After Wydad Defeat

Wydad Athletic Club’s first defeat in this group stage turned into a digital settling of scores. Beaten Sunday by the Congolese side Maniema Union in precarious playing conditions, the Reds surrendered sole possession of first place in Group B, but it is the match’s refereeing confusion that has taken center stage.

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Hakim Ziyech used his Instagram account to highlight a decision deemed incomprehensible. Backed by video footage, the player showed the moment when the referee, after issuing a second yellow card — meaning a sending-off — to the opposing goalkeeper, changed his mind under pressure and ultimately booked a defender who had not been involved in the incident. “Welcome to Africa […] this is the level of the referees,” the Moroccan international sarcastically remarked, criticizing an amateurism that harms the image of continental football.

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This 2-1 defeat, conceded on a damaged pitch and at a controversial time, reshuffles the Group B standings. Wydad and Maniema Union now share the lead with 9 points each, while the Tanzanians from Azam remain close behind.

The Casablanca club will have to quickly move on from this controversy. Wydad’s players will put part of their qualification on the line on matchday five, scheduled for 8 February, with a decisive away fixture against Nairobi United.

On Bladi.net