The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has recently announced the officiating team for the second leg of the semi-final clash between Esperance and TP Mazembe. Senegalese referee Badara Diata has been appointed to preside over this crucial encounter, where these longstanding rivals in continental football will vie for a spot in the final.
This decision follows a dispute arising from the initial appointment by the CAF refereeing commission, which faced objections from the Congolese club, TP Mazembe. The appointment of the Gambian Papa Bakary was contested on grounds of perceived bias. In response, the CAF has entrusted the responsibility of officiating the return match on Saturday, October 20, in Tunis to Badara Diata from Senegal.
Assisting Diata on the field will be Damoo Jason from Seychelles and Ogbamarian Angesson from Eritrea as the first and second assistant referees, respectively. The role of the fourth official for this match will be fulfilled by the Gambian Camara Bakari.
The complete list of match officials is as follows:
- Central Referee: Badara Diata from Senegal
- Assistant Referee 1: Damoo Jason from Seychelles
- Assistant Referee 2: Ogbamarian Angesson from Eritrea
- 4th Referee: Camara Bakari from Gambia
- Match Commissioner: Kone Ardiouma from Ivory Coast
As a reminder, the first leg between Esperance and TP Mazembe concluded with a goalless draw, setting the stage for an intense and closely contested second leg.
