The CAF Referees Commission has selected Ivorian Désiré Doue Noumandiez to officiate in the first leg of the African Champions League semi-final between Tout-Puissant Mazembe and Espérance de Tunis. The 42-year-old referee, known for his experience and previous involvement in significant events, is a familiar face at major competitions. Doue Noumandiez was the referee for the 2009 CHAN (African Nations Championship) final and led the second leg of the 2011 Champions League final.
Having earned the title of “Best Referee in Africa” in 2011, Doue Noumandiez is expected to bring professionalism to the crucial semi-final encounter. Originally, Senegalese referee Badara Diatta was chosen, but his selection was met with criticism from both teams.
The first leg between the defending champions Tout-Puissant Mazembe and the double 2009-2010 champions Espérance de Tunis is scheduled for October 7, with the return leg set for two weeks later. The other semi-final, featuring Egyptians Al Ahly and Nigerians Sunshine Stars, will be officiated by South African referee Daniel Bennett.
