Bayern Munich delivered a ruthless 10-0 demolition of Auckland City at the Club World Cup in a match that provided a smooth international debut for Senegalese referee Issa Sy.
Officiating his first major tournament fixture outside of Africa, Sy oversaw proceedings with composure and minimal disruption.
Flanked by compatriots Djibril Camara and Nouha Bangoura on the sidelines, the 40-year-old enjoyed a near-flawless introduction to the global stage as Bayern outclassed their New Zealand opponents.
In a game so one-sided that officiating was rarely brought into focus, Sy kept control without ever needing to assert himself aggressively.
His decision-making remained measured throughout the encounter.
Notably, in the 70th minute, he awarded Bayern a penalty—a call that went unquestioned by either side, underscoring his credibility on the pitch.
Over the course of 90 minutes, Sy blew for 15 fouls and remarkably did not issue a single yellow card.
While the absence of contentious moments may have simplified his evening, his calm and confident handling of the game has been seen as a positive marker for future assignments in the tournament.
Bayern’s emphatic victory meant the spotlight remained largely on the German side’s attacking brilliance.
However, the Senegalese officiating trio were quietly efficient, managing the game with clarity and without controversy.
Djibril Camara did display a moment of hesitation during Bayern’s third goal, leaving the final decision to the Video Assistant Referee.
Ultimately, the goal stood, and the match continued without disruption.
Nouha Bangoura, the second assistant referee, remained consistent on his line throughout the match, contributing to a stable and smoothly run contest.
Despite the scoreline offering little in the way of drama or tests of temperament, the officiating team can take pride in a performance unmarred by error or dispute.
While the encounter may not have offered a complete assessment of Sy’s full range as an official, his composed display in a high-scoring affair will likely enhance his prospects for additional matches in this Club World Cup.
For a referee entering a global competition for the first time, the absence of controversy is, in many ways, a resounding success.
