Zambian referee Diana Chikotesha continues to make strides on the continental stage, having been appointed as the Second Video Assistant Referee (AVAR 2) for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024 final.
Chikotesha will be part of an all-female officiating team overseeing Saturday’s high-stakes clash between hosts Morocco and record champions Nigeria at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Her inclusion comes as part of a historic appointment for Namibia’s Antsino Twanyanyukwa, who will lead the officiating team. She has become the first Namibian to take charge of a WAFCON final.
Twanyanyukwa, who has impressed with her composure and consistency throughout the tournament, expressed her emotions following the announcement.
“I didn’t expect this at all; I’m still in shock. But with God, all things are possible,” Antsino told CAF Media. “WAFCON is a major competition, and expectations are high. We have to go in with the mindset that the whole continent is watching and give our absolute best.”
The full officiating team for the final includes Alice Umutesi (Rwanda) as Assistant Referee 1, Tabara Mbodji (Senegal) as Assistant Referee 2, and Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda) as lead Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Letticia Viana (Eswatini) will serve as AVAR 1, alongside Zambia’s Diana Chikotesha as AVAR 2.
Chikotesha’s appointment follows her previous high-profile assignment. She was at the men’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, where she served as the second assistant referee.
READ MORE: Zambia U-17 Star Abel Nyirongo Undergoing Trials at Two English Premier League Clubs
