The CAF Disciplinary Board is on Thursday 22 October examining the incidents from the first leg between Enugu Rangers and MC Alger, in particular the sending-off of Oussama Benhaoua, the Algerian club’s midfielder. MCA is contesting the refereeing, while the Nigerians are reporting damage.
MC Alger and Enugu Rangers have been summoned this Thursday 22 October by the CAF Disciplinary Board. According to Football Écologie France and La Nation, the hearing is being held by videoconference to rule on the incidents that occurred during the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, which the Nigerian club won 2-0 in Abeokuta.
No verdict is known yet. The proceedings involve two separate complaints: that of Enugu Rangers, who are reporting damage at the Abeokuta stadium, and that of MC Alger, who are contesting several refereeing decisions.
Two complaints, two cases
Enugu Rangers’ management had initially lodged a formal complaint with CAF, denouncing damage caused at the Abeokuta stadium, La Nation reports. Winners on the pitch, the Nigerian club are now waiting for the continental body to rule on these events.
MC Alger responded by referring the matter to CAF in turn, with a case contesting several refereeing decisions. Mouloudia are challenging the penalty awarded to the Nigerian club and an error over the sending-off of Oussama Benhaoua, the midfielder who was shown a second yellow when the foul had been committed by Ayoub Ghezala, the Algerian club’s defender.
MC Alger’s management “expressed its strong discontent following the events that marked the first leg and affirmed its determination to defend the club’s interests”, according to La Nation.
A heavy financial fine at stake
With no verdict yet known, MCA mainly risk a heavy financial fine from the pan-African body, according to Football Écologie France.
Because the second leg, scheduled for Algiers, promises to be decisive. The winner of this two-legged tie will secure direct qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage, Football Écologie France recalls. For MC Alger, the stakes therefore go beyond the disciplinary framework.
Verdict expected this Thursday
The verdict and disciplinary sanctions are expected from CAF this Thursday 22 October, on the eve of the second leg. It is due to be played this weekend in Algiers, at the Stade Ali-la-Pointe or the Stade Olympique d’Alger, a venue that has not yet been officially confirmed.