Unusual in the CAF Champions League! Referee Issa Sy shows a red card at the end of the match to ward off any complaints

During the first leg of the quarter-final between ES Tunis and Al Ahly on Sunday 15 March 2026.

This thrilling clash between two giants of African football was marked by high intensity. The first half was full of suspense. But ES Tunis, playing on home turf, won the match at the final whistle.

The Tunisian club scored the only goal of the match thanks to a penalty converted by Mohamed Tougai in the 73rd minute. But the discontent was palpable in the opposing camp. And at the final whistle, the Senegalese referee Issa Sy, who was officiating the match, took an unusual step to ward off any complaints. He produced a red card, which he kept in his hand ready to brandish should any player or member of the coaching staff approach him to complain about his decisions during the match.