Mahmoud Ismail of Sudan will lead the officiating team for the first leg of the African Champions League final, marking another key milestone in his growing career.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that the experienced 37-year-old referee will oversee the clash between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The highly anticipated match will take place on Saturday, May 24, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, with kickoff set for 4pm Cairo time.
Ismail will be supported on the field by fellow Sudanese assistant Mohamed Abdallah and Djibouti’s Ahmed Abdelrazik. Pacific Ndayeha of Burundi will serve as the fourth official, with Nayama, also from Burundi, joining the team.
Ghana’s Daniel Laryea will operate the VAR system, alongside Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga.
Ismail’s record includes officiating the final between Wydad and Sundowns last year, along with three games in this season’s competition—including a group stage match between Pyramids and Djoliba.
CAF also revealed that the return leg will be played in Cairo on June 1, with Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan assigned to officiate.
