The Confederation of African Football has unveiled the list of referees that will be taking charge of the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
BolaNews reveals the selection of match officials who will be representing women in football at the 2023 AfCON as the continent pushes towards empowerment and equality.
With representation from 33 countries, the list comprised 26 referees, 30 assistant referees, and 12 VAR referees. Six female referees have made the list of officials that will oversee the continent’s biggest showpiece next year.
Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda)
The name Salima Mukansanga resonates with making history. During the previous edition, the Rwandan became the first female referee to officiate at a men’s Africa Cup of Nations.
She is also the first African female match official to take part in a men’s FIFA World Cup.
Karboubi Bouchra (Morocco)
Bouchra is the only female who is listed as a lead referee at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by CAF.
In 2022, she became the first Arab female referee to officiate a professional men’s tournament final, when she took charge of the Moroccan Throne Cup final.
Diana Chikotesha (Zambia)
Diana Chikotesha will become the first Zambian female referee to take part in the men’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament. She also featured in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Akhona Makalima (South Africa)
South Africa’s Akhona Makalima will serve as a VAR official at the 2023 men’s AfCON in Cote d’Ivoire. Her experience as a match official range from lead-refereeing Premier Soccer League matches to officiating at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Rivet Maria (Mauritius)
Alongside Salima Mukansanga and Akhona Makalima, Maria Rivet will be one of only three female referees operating in the VAR room. She was the fourth official for the 2022 Women’s AfCON final between South Africa and Morocco.
Carine Atezambong (Cameroon)
The Cameroonian is one of only two female assistant referees who will be officiating at the 2023 men’s AFCON. Before becoming a match referee,.
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Before joining professional refereeing, Atezambong participated in combat sports like Karate and Judo while at university.
