From controversy to redemption: Issa Sy guides USMA to CAF final

Issa Sy redeems himself with decisive VAR intervention in USM Alger’s CAF semi-final qualification

Senegalese referee Issa Sy played a key role in USM Alger’s progression to the CAF Confederation Cup final, delivering a decisive VAR intervention that proved crucial in their semi-final clash against OC Safi.

The second leg, played in Morocco, ended in a 1-1 draw, allowing the Algerian side to advance on the away goals rule after the first leg had finished goalless.

While the result secured USM Alger’s place in the final, attention quickly turned to Sy, whose involvement marked a significant moment following earlier controversy in his career.

Sy had been assigned to oversee VAR duties for the match, working alongside Rwandan referee Samuel Uwikunda, who was in charge on the pitch.

The fixture carried considerable tension, particularly among USM Alger supporters, given Sy’s previous performance during the Algeria – Nigeria match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

That earlier display had drawn strong criticism, with the Algerian Football Federation (CAF) lodging an official complaint.

His decisions in that game left a lasting impression among Algerian supporters, many of whom approached this latest appointment with apprehension.

However, events unfolded differently in Morocco.

During a key moment in the match, Sy identified a potential penalty incident involving USM Alger’s Anas Mkhair and OC Safi’s Dramane Kamagate.

From his position monitoring VAR, he alerted Uwikunda to review the situation.

Following a detailed examination of the footage, the referee awarded a penalty to USM Alger.

Ahmed Khaldi converted the spot-kick, scoring what proved to be a decisive away goal.

That goal ultimately ensured USM Alger’s qualification for the final, as the aggregate scoreline, combined with the away goals rule, favoured the Algerian club.

Without the intervention, the outcome of the tie may have been different.

For Sy, the moment represented a notable shift in perception.

His role in the decision was widely seen as accurate, contrasting sharply with the criticism he had faced previously.

The match itself was tightly contested, with both sides aware of the stakes involved.

OC Safi, playing at home, sought to capitalise on their advantage, while USM Alger remained disciplined in their approach, knowing that a single away goal could prove decisive.

As the game progressed, chances were limited, and the tension grew.

The penalty decision therefore became a defining moment, not only for the match but also for Sy’s standing among observers of African football.

His earlier controversy at the Africa Cup of Nations had lingered in discussions about refereeing standards.

The Algeria – Nigeria match had placed him under scrutiny, and his omission from selection for the 2026 World Cup further reflected the impact of that performance.

Yet this latest display offered a different narrative.

By correctly identifying the incident and ensuring it was reviewed, Sy demonstrated the role VAR can play in supporting on-field decisions.

The process, involving communication between the video official and the referee, led to an outcome that aligned with the laws of the game.

For USM Alger supporters, the decision was pivotal.

Concerns prior to the match about Sy’s involvement gave way to a more positive reaction, as his intervention directly contributed to their team’s success.

The qualification sets up a place in the CAF Confederation Cup final for the Algerian side, marking a significant achievement after a closely fought semi-final.

While the spotlight remains on the players and the teams involved, Sy’s role in the match has become an integral part of the story.

His actions during the game stand in contrast to earlier criticism, offering a moment of redemption in a high-pressure setting.

The events in Morocco underline how quickly narratives can shift in football.

For Sy, a referee once at the centre of controversy, this performance provided an opportunity to restore confidence, at least among a section of supporters.