Top South African coach Pitso Mosimane calls on CAF to scrap away-goal rule in African competitions

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has called on African football authorities to abolish the away-goal rule in CAF competitions.

Speaking to iDiski Times, the highly respected South African tactician argued that the current rule often encourages teams to adopt defensive approaches, particularly in knockout matches, rather than playing open and expansive football.

Mosimane pointed to recent UEFA Champions League matches as evidence of how removing the away-goal rule can dramatically improve the spectacle and competitiveness of major continental tournaments.

“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.”

The experienced coach believes African football would benefit greatly from adopting a similar approach, arguing that the away-goal rule creates unnecessary tactical limitations and cautious play during two-legged ties.

“The one thing I would say is that we need to get rid of that away-goal rule then we can have open games,” he continued.

“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.

“You know what I’m saying? So, I think the away-goal rule is what really creates challenges for us.”

Mosimane’s comments come ahead of Sunday’s CAF Champions League final second leg between ASFAR and Mamelodi Sundowns in Rabat, Morocco. Sundowns travel to North Africa carrying a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg after defender Aubrey Modiba scored the decisive goal in Pretoria last weekend.

The veteran coach, who guided Sundowns to continental glory in 2016 before later enjoying enormous success with Al Ahly, expressed strong confidence that his former club will go on to lift the trophy this season.

“Listen, there’s no chance they can’t win it,” Mosimane said confidently.

“Al Ahly is out, Pyramids is out. Wydad is not there. Esperance is not there. Come on. Hey, even Raja is not there.”

His comments reflect growing belief that Sundowns are in a strong position to reclaim the African crown for the first time in a decade. The South African giants have consistently been among the continent’s strongest sides in recent years, but have repeatedly fallen short in the latter stages of the competition.

Mosimane, currently unattached after his recent coaching spell abroad, continues to remain one of the most influential voices in African football. He has also recently been linked with a possible move to Kaizer Chiefs FC ahead of next season, though no official confirmation has emerged regarding his future.

As anticipation builds for the decisive clash in Rabat, Mosimane’s remarks have once again reignited debate around the away-goal rule in African football and whether CAF should follow Europe’s lead in modernising its continental competitions.