Ziyech erupts after controversial call as Wydad stumble in CAF clash with Maniema Union
2 February 2026
Match recap
Wydad suffer a setback in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Hakim Ziyech, Wydad's star, did not hold back his frustration regarding Sunday’s match against Maniema Union.
The Moroccan club suffered its first defeat of the current CAF Confederation Cup edition, falling 2-1 to Maniema Union in Kinshasa on the group-stage matchday.
Ziyech voiced his dismay on Instagram: A refereeing scandal... Welcome to Africa... when you award the keeper a yellow, only to act as if you gave it to the defender.
The referee had shown a yellow to the home goalkeeper, then, in a later phase, appeared ready to send him off, before retracting and booking another player instead, a decision that sparked fierce debate.
Despite the loss, Wydad remained atop Group B with nine points, level with Maniema as the group’s second place.
Context and reaction
In a continent where football is life, moments like this ignite passionate debate across fans and pundits alike.
Punchline: If referees keep handing out yellows, players will start wearing them as fashion accessories.
Punchline 2: At this pace, the group stage might need a referee with a sense of humor more than a sense of balance.
