CAF scrutiny hangs over Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim after controversial gesture

Al Ahly are gearing up for a decisive second leg against Tunisia’s Esperance at Cairo International Stadium, needing a strong home win to overturn their 1-0 defeat in Rades and reach the CAF Champions League semi-finals.

But in the build-up, attention has shifted to defender Yasser Ibrahim after a post-match incident in the first leg sparked heated debate.

Footage widely shared on social media showed Ibrahim appearing to make a hand gesture towards his neck while leaving the pitch for the tunnel, something Esperance fans interpreted as a provocative sign aimed at their stands.

The clip quickly divided opinion, with some supporters demanding disciplinary action, while others insisted the moment had been blown out of proportion and that the player did not intend any insult.

The controversy has led to questions over whether CAF’s disciplinary committee might step in. Under CAF regulations, officials can review video evidence and impose sanctions even if an incident is not mentioned in the referee’s report, as seen previously when Zamalek’s Nasser Mansi received a three-game ban and a 10,000-dollar fine for an inappropriate gesture.

Any suspension for Ibrahim would be a major blow for Al Ahly ahead of such a pivotal return leg, given his importance in their back line throughout this African campaign.
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