CAF Champions League: VAR delay sparks debate after AS FAR’s first-leg defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns

AS FAR head coach Alexandre Santos has voiced concerns over a VAR-related disruption that interrupted his side’s CAF Champions League first-leg clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria.

The Moroccan side fell 1-0 in the encounter but the match was briefly overshadowed by a technical failure of the Video Assistant Referee system, which delayed the restart after half-time. Although the system was restored during the second period, the interruption left AS FAR unsettled.

Reports from Foot Africa indicated that AS FAR players initially hesitated to return to the pitch as officials worked to resolve the issue, before play eventually resumed.

Speaking after the match, Santos acknowledged the impact of the delay while maintaining respect for the outcome.

“The VAR situation was not easy for us, because the resumption of play took a long time, but that is football. Unfortunately, I think that should not happen in such big and important matches,” he said.

He added that his side must now regroup ahead of the return leg in Rabat, where they will attempt to overturn the deficit and chase a historic CAF Champions League title.

“But this is the reality and we must go to Rabat, recover and do our best, and without a doubt if we give our best in the next match we will be able to win the title,” Santos said.

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso also addressed the incident, praising the professionalism shown by both teams during the disruption. He highlighted the importance of sporting conduct and unity, referencing the broader responsibility of African football on the global stage.

“Today, I saw a lot of sporting spirit between the players, the coaches, the staff. Even when the VAR was not working… we told each other: ‘We represent Africa. We need to be a good example to the world,’” Cardoso said.

He described the mutual respect displayed on the pitch as a positive reflection of the game, despite the technical setback.