TP Mazembe, set to confront Esperance de Tunis in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals, expresses reservations about the appointed match referee, Gassama Papa. The Guinean official is the selection of the arbitration commission led by Tarek Bouchamaoui.
The general manager of Lubumbashi Ravens, Frédéric Kitengie Kinkumba, voiced concerns, stating, “We bitterly observe that the president of the Caf referees commission, Tarek Bouchamaoui, has actively worked to assign referees seemingly aligned with the interests of his clubs.”
Manager Moise Katumbi of Mazembe revealed that Gassama had previously officiated their quarter-final against Berekum Chelsea. Katumbi highlighted a disputed goal in that match and expressed skepticism, saying, “The gentleman who oversaw the contentious goal against Berekum is now set to officiate our match against Esperance de Tunis a month later. It appears to be a calculated move that does not favor Mazembe.”
Frédéric Kitengie further scrutinized Gassama’s history officiating matches involving the Tunisian club, stating, “All of Gassama Papa Bakary’s performances have resulted in victories for the Tunisians. It is noticeable that this referee has previously officiated matches for Al Ahly or Esperance. The recurrence of the same referees for the same clubs raises suspicion. We have the right to challenge this with evidence.”
In response to the concerns raised, the Congolese Federation of Association Football (Fecofa) reportedly urged Caf to initiate an investigation into the matter.
The appointed officials for the Esperance de Tunis-Mazembe return match by Caf are as follows:
- Central referee: Gassama Bakary (Gambia)
- Assistant 1: Damoo Jason (Seychelles)
- Assistant 2: Ogbamarian Angesson (Eritrea)
- Reserve referee: Camara Bakary (Gambia)
- Match commissioner: Koné Ardiouma (Ivory Coast)
- Security officer: Abel Mbengue (Cameroon)
