THE Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has appointed DR Congo-born referees to handle the Champions League first leg tie between AC Leopards de Dolisie and Rayon Sports at Municipal Denis Sassou N’Guesso stadium in Niari, Congo Brazzaville on February 8.

Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo will be the centre referee, with Nabina Blaise Sebutu and Babaka Mampasi the assistants. Jean Claude Kinamvuidi Fuengi will serve as the fourth referee.

Angola’s Fernando Rui Costa has been appointed the match commissioner.

Meanwhile, Tanzanian referees Israel Mujuni (centre), and Josephat Deu Bulali and Samuel Hudson Mpenzu and fourth referee Ramadhan Kibo Ibada (fourth official) will take charge of the second round leg due in Kigali on February 15.

Burundian Jean Marie Vianney Hicuburundi is the designated match commissioner.

Rayon Sports go into their CAF preliminary round battle under their local coaching duo of Thierry Hitimana and Billy Musa Kombi.

Rayon Sports haven’t quite got into the rhythm when it comes to continental competitions.

Since 1998, they have made five appearances in the CAF Champions league, the last being in 2008 when they lost to Harar Beer of Ethiopia in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup.