CAF appoint Moroccan referee Jalal Jaid for Al Ahly-Esperance Champions League decider

North African heavyweights Al Ahly and Esperance are set for a high-stakes showdown in Cairo, with CAF appointing Moroccan referee Jalal Jaid to officiate the decisive second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final clash.

The continental football governing body has entrusted Jaid with handling the crucial encounter, a match that carries enormous pressure given the rivalry and what is at stake.

Al Ahly will host the return leg at Cairo International Stadium next Saturday, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Tunis. That result saw Esperance secure their first victory over the Egyptian giants in eight years, a significant psychological boost dating back to their memorable 3-0 triumph in the 2018 CAF Champions League final.

The appointment of Jaid adds another layer of intrigue, particularly as the Moroccan official has never officiated an Al Ahly match throughout his career. With tensions already high and qualification for the semi-finals on the line, all eyes will be on his performance in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.

Compounding the challenge for Al Ahly is the absence of their supporters. The match will be played behind closed doors following CAF’s disciplinary sanction stemming from incidents during their clash against Morocco’s Royal Army. The lack of fans removes one of Al Ahly’s greatest advantages—the intimidating atmosphere of Cairo—which has historically played a key role in their continental success.

For Esperance, the mission is clear: protect their slender lead and capitalize on the unusual conditions. For Al Ahly, it is about defying the odds—overturning the deficit without the backing of their passionate supporters.

With a neutral referee, an empty stadium, and a place in the semi-finals hanging in the balance, the stage is set for a dramatic night of African football.