The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has made history by appointing an all-female officiating team for the 2024 CAF Women's Champions League, set to take place in Morocco from November 9th to 23rd.
This groundbreaking move signifies a significant step forward for women's football in Africa, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
To ensure the highest standards of officiating, CAF has implemented a rigorous training program for the selected referees.
This program, including the VAR Academy, has focused on honing their skills in Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. By undergoing intensive training under the guidance of experienced instructors, the referees are well-prepared to handle the demands of this prestigious tournament.
Selected match officials for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League Centre Referees: Shahenda Saad Ali Elmaghrabi (Egypt) Suavis Iratunga (Burundi) Twanyanyukwa Antsino (Namibia) Natcha Geraldine Konan Akissi (Cote d'Ivoire) Gloria Sambumba (Zambia) Aline Guimbang Etong (Cameroon) Umutoni Aline (Rwanda) Zouwaira Souley Sani (Niger) Sabah Sadir (Morocco) Josephine Wanjiku (Kenya) Awa Alphonsine Ornella Ilboudo (Burkina Faso) Samassa Yacine (Mauritania) Assistant Referees: Karima Khadiri (Morocco) Afine Houda (Tunisia) Ouahab Asma Feriel (Algeria) Mariem Chedad (Mauritania) Kanjinga Mireille (DR Congo) Nafissatou Yekini Shitou (Benin) Sakina Hamidou Alfa (Niger) Fides Bangurambona (Burundi) Kourouma Mahawa (Guinea) Hannah Lydia Moses (Liberia) Umutesi Alice (Rwanda) Tabara Mbodji (Senegal)
VAR Referees: Maria Rivet (Mauritius) Letticia Viana (Eswatini) Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco) Salma Mukasanga (Rwanda) Akhona Makalima (South Africa) Amedome Vicencia (Togo) Ganouati Dorsaf (Tunisia) Fatiha Jermoumi (Morocco) Chicotesha Diana (Zambia) Atezambong Carine (Cameroon)
The list of center referees and assistant referees showcases the diversity of African football, with officials representing over 15 countries. This diversity not only enriches the competition but also strengthens the overall capacity of women's refereeing across the continent.
This historic decision by CAF highlights the organization's commitment to empowering women in football and sets a new benchmark for future tournaments.
By Olaleye Oluwadamiloa