Pitso Mosimane unhappy with Champions League final venue

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has questioned the process that has seen the Confederation of African Football (CAF) award the 2021-22 Champions League final to Morocco.

CAF made the announcement without naming the specific venue, and also confirmed the game will be held on Monday, May 30, an odd day of the week for a prestigious decider.

CAF confirmed that Morocco were the only bidders after rivals Senegal decided to withdraw, without giving any reason for the decision.

The concern for Mosimane is that the decider will likely be played at the home venue of their potential opponents, Wydad Casablanca’s Mohammed V Stadium.

Wydad lead Petro Atletico 3-1 following the first leg of their semifinal in Luanda and it would be a major shock were they not to complete the job.

Ahly are also odds-on favourites to reach the final after they beat Algerian side ES Setif 4-0 in the first leg of their semifinal. They are seeking a third title in a row in the competition.

Mosimane’s gripe appears to be that the decision of final host was only made this week. In Uefa competitions, it is decided before the start of the season.

“When the CAF Champions League group stages games were finished, rumours were saying SA is hosting [the final],” Mosimane said on Twitter.

“Hao, jikijiki, after the semifinal games were decided, there was a loud silence on the country to host the final. Then after the first leg of the semifinals, suddenly Morocco is hosting.”

When the Caf Champions League group stages games were finished,rumours were saying SA is hosting.
Hao,jikijiki,after semifinals game were decided,there was a loud silence on the country to host the final.Then after the first leg of the semi finals, suddenly Morocco is hosting.🤔

— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) May 10, 2022

CAF has suggested that this will be the last season of single final matches in their competitions, with the format to revert to home and away deciders from next season onwards.

Single finals were brought in for the 2019-20 season and Ahly have won them both. The first was played at the Cairo International Stadium and involved their local rivals Zamalek, with the second at the same venue as this year.

They beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 at the Stade Mohamed V. The decision to play the final at the venue was made during the quarterfinal games on that occasion.

©Mzansi Football