CAF Confederation Cup: Samuel Uykanda appointed referee for Olympique Safi vs USM Alger semi-final second leg

Olympique Safi and USM Alger are set for a tightly contested second-leg showdown in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final, with attention now turning strongly toward the match officials appointed by the continental governing body.

The Confederation of African Football has appointed Rwandan referee Samuel Uykanda to take charge of the decisive encounter, a move that underlines the importance and sensitivity of the fixture.

Uykanda will lead a multi-national officiating team, supported by assistants from Kenya and Angola, ensuring a neutral and experienced setup for one of the competition’s most crucial matches. His appointment reflects CAF’s intent to maintain control and fairness in a tie where margins are expected to be extremely fine.

VAR Team Strengthens Oversight

In the video assistant referee room, Senegalese official Issa Sy has been assigned to oversee VAR operations, with assistance from compatriot Djibril Camara.

Their presence adds an additional layer of scrutiny to key match decisions, especially given the high stakes and the evenly balanced nature of the semi-final following a goalless first leg in Algeria.

A High-Stakes Appointment for a High-Stakes Match

With the tie still open, all eyes will be on the refereeing team’s ability to manage pressure, maintain control, and deliver consistency in decision-making throughout the 90 minutes.

For both sides, the officiating could play a subtle but decisive role in shaping the outcome of a match that will determine who advances to the final of Africa’s prestigious club competition.