Pitso Mosimane calls for CAF to abolish away goal rule to boost competition

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to scrap the away goals rule in inter-club competitions, arguing that its removal would make matches more open and competitive.

The away goals rule is currently used in CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup two-legged knockout ties to separate teams level on aggregate. However, UEFA abolished the rule in 2021, a move Mosimane believes has improved attacking football in Europe.

Speaking to iDiski Times senior journalist Matshelane Mamabolo in edition 255 of the publication, the decorated coach said Africa should follow Europe’s lead to encourage more positive football and reduce cautious approaches after first-leg results.

“I was watching PSG in the semi-finals of the European Champions League,” Mosimane said. “The biggest thing that has ever happened, which is good for football, is what Europe has done – getting rid of the away-goal rule. Now you have 5-4, 4-3, 3-2 scores because no one sits back.”

He added that the current system in Africa often forces teams to adopt defensive tactics once they secure an away advantage.

“The one thing I would say is that we [Africa] need to get rid of that [away-goal rule], then we can have open games. So, if it’s 2-2 in the first leg at my home, I’m still in [with a chance] because they still have to play for a goal,” he said.

Mosimane also expressed confidence in Mamelodi Sundowns’ chances of lifting the CAF Champions League title, suggesting that several traditional powerhouses are not in contention this season.

“Listen, Bra Jakes, there’s no chance they [Sundowns] can’t win it,” he said. “Al Ahly is out, Pyramids is out. Wydad is not there. Esperance is not there. Come on. Hey, even Raja is not there.”