The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the list of match officials selected for the highly anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, scheduled to kick off from July 5 to 26. This year’s continental showdown marks a historic milestone, as a record 46 referees, assistant referees, and Video Assistant Referees (VARs) have been confirmed—surpassing the previous high of 40 set during the 2022 edition.
The roster comprises 18 central referees, 18 assistant referees, and 10 VAR officials representing 30 African nations, reinforcing CAF’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence in officiating. Morocco, the host nation, leads with the highest representation—five officials, underscoring the country’s growing stature in women’s football development and refereeing infrastructure.
Among the elite list is Bouchra Karboubi of Morocco, who continues to break barriers after officiating at both the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 and the Paris Olympic Games. Another standout is Rwanda’s Salima Rhadia Mukansanga, who officiated the WAFCON 2022 final and now returns in the VAR role, reflecting her enduring influence in the game.
This year’s tournament will also see a diverse blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents from across the continent. Names like Akhona Makalima (South Africa), Shamirah Nabadda (Uganda), and Aline Umutoni (Rwanda) headline a dynamic mix of officials poised to bring fairness, precision, and integrity to the games.
CAF’s historic appointment of this expanded pool of officials sends a strong message about the federation’s drive to uplift the standard of women’s football on the continent. With anticipation building for the kick-off in Morocco, the spotlight now turns to these groundbreaking figures who will help shape the narrative of Africa’s premier women’s football tournament.
