South Africa's Mashaba hails Nigeria World Cup ref

by BackPageTXT

Monday Oct 24, 2016. 09:54

South Africa coach Shakes Mashaba has praised the CAF Champions League final performance of Gambian referee Bakary Papa Gassama, who will also handle Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Algeria next month.

Two-time best African referee Gassama is lined up to feature the 2018 World Cup in Russia and he was in full control of Sunday’s Champions League second leg final between hosts Zamalek of Egypt and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa.

Despite the packed stadium in Alexandria and the antics of the Zamalek players, Gassama was in full charge of the final.

“He controlled the game,” saluted Mashaba, who was in Egypt for the championship game.

“He was not swayed by the crowd or the Zamalek players. He stood his ground.

“He’s a good referee.”

The 37-year-old Gassama will also handle a World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Algeria in Uyo on November 12.

He officiated at the 2014 World Cup and was in charge of last year’s AFCON final between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.