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North African Fans GFX GOAL
Dingizwe Gwala

Caf needs to punish unruly North African supporters after Zamalek, MC Alger and Esperance caused havoc against PSL teams Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns & Stellenbosch FC

North African fans have proved to be very barbaric in recent African club football and here, GOAL looks back at some of the disappointing incidents.

North African fans often come off as really sore losers. They don’t seem to understand that football has two main results: you either win or lose.

For some reason, accepting defeat is a struggle for them as they resorted to dirty tactics. This has been particularly noticeable in several matches against South African teams, especially in the recent Caf Champions League games featuring Orlando Pirates, as well as in the Caf Confederation Cup where Stellenbosch faced similar reactions. Here, GOAL takes a closer look at the recent unsportsmanlike conduct from North African teams.

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  • Zamalek v RSB Berkane - CAF Confederation Cup FinalGetty Images Sport

    Zamalek fans turn against each

    Zamalek faced Stellenbosch in the first leg of the Confederation Cup quarterfinals, ending in a frustrating goalless draw for the fans who were hoping for an away goal. They ultimately lost the tie 1-0 after a defeat in the second leg. Meanwhile, Zamalek supporters ended up fighting among themselves in the stands in Cape Town, and the reason behind the chaos remains unclear.

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  • Orlando Pirates vs MC Alger scuffles Backpage

    MC Algers can't take a loss

    The Buccaneers made it to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2013 after defeating Algerian team MC Alger 1-0 on aggregate. However, the aftermath of the match at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday was appalling, as players and staff from MC Alger clashed with match officials and Pirates personnel.

  • Mamelodi Sundowns vs Esperance fansBackpagepix

    Sundowns fan's act of kindness

    In the first leg between Sundowns and Esperance, the Brazilians secured a vital 1-0 victory, followed by a goalless draw in Tunisia. Unfortunately, the atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld Stadium turned sour as fans from both teams engaged in a brawl, with footage showing punches being thrown. It was clear that the North African fans instigated the fight. However, a Sundowns supporter displayed a moment of kindness by preventing an Esperance fan from falling.

  • Patrice Motsepe, Caf PresidentBackpage

    Deal with the rot now

    As the semifinals approach, Pirates will face Egyptian team Pyramids in the first leg, while Sundowns will host rivals Al Ahly, another North African side known for their aggressive behavior. In light of the recent troubling incidents, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) must take decisive action to impose strict penalties on teams and their fans from the quarterfinals to prevent similar issues in the semifinals, which are crucial for both the Champions League and the Confederation Cup.

  • Miguel Cardoso & Jose Riveiro, GFXGOAL

    What's next?

    Caf Champions League

    Semifinal 1:

    Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahly

    First-leg 18/19 April - Second-leg 25/26 April

    Semifinal 2

    Orlando Pirates vs Pyramids

    First-leg 18/19 April Second-leg 25/26 April

    Caf Confederation Cup

    Semifinal 1:

    RS Berkane vs CS Constantine

    First-leg 19/20 April Second-leg 26/27 April

    Semifinal 2

    Simba vs Stellenbosch

    First-leg 19/20 April Second-leg 26/27 April

  • Jose Riveiro of Orlando Pirates 16-9GOAL GFX

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