Share

Mbalula slams Al Ahly fans

Cape Town - Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula has requested the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take disciplinary action against African champions, Al Ahly, after their supporters shone green lasers at Orlando Pirates’ players.

The Egyptian giants defeated the Buccaneers 2-0 in their CAF Champions League final second leg in Cairo on Sunday, with second half strikes from Mohamed Aboutrika and Ahmed Abdezaher enough to help Al Ahly defend their title.

According to a report on the Kick-Off website, Mbalula - who attended the game - slammed the Red Devils fans for deliberately shining green lasers in the eyes of the Pirates players.

Mbalula said the behaviour must be “condemned in the strongest terms”.

Pirates players experienced the same challenge in Tunisia last month in their semi-final second leg game against Esperance when they eliminated the two-time champions on the away goals rule.

Victory for Al Ahly meant they are now eight-time winners of the continental showpiece.

They also gave a good send off to the 35-year-old Aboutrika, who was playing the last game of his career.

The aggregate score was 3-1 after the sides played to a 1-1 stalemate at the Orlando Stadium two weeks ago.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2241 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE