“Everyone who took this decision is happy now,” says Mosimane after CL heartbreak

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane slammed the Confederation of African Football [CAF] over their failure to have the Caf Champions League final played on a neutral venue after his Egyptian side were beaten in the Caf Champions League final by Wydad Athletic, who enjoyed home advantage in Casablanca.

A Zouheir El Moutaraji double-handed Wydad a 2-0 win over defending champions Ahly to clinch the 2021/22 CAF Champions League title at the Mohamed V Stadium. Moutaraji scored a goal in either half, handing Wydad their first title since 2017. 

Mosimane’s dream of becoming the first team to win three successive titles and clinching a record-extending 11th was swept away. At the same time, his hope of a record-equalling fourth Champions League title also went the same way.

“The better team was the one who lost tonight. When you play on neutral ground and have equal fan attendance from both sides, you can speak about winning or losing. I think everyone who took this decision is happy now,” he told the Ahly website.

“Everyone was speaking about the starting line-up when we lost the match, but I would like to say that we defeated Raja with the same starting line-up. Also, everyone knows that Amr El Soulia is injured; he did not play from the beginning of the game.”

“I do not know how anyone can say that the CAF Champions League final was well organised. I think the Moroccans are the only ones who said that.

“The referee took three minutes to replace his watch. Also, the ball boys took a lot of time to bring the balls back to the players, which was normal, especially when we played at Wydad’s ground. Eventually, it was normal for Wydad to win the title.”