 has appointed Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa to officiate the highly anticipated final){kind=link}
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa to officiate the highly anticipated final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) between hosts Morocco and record champions Nigeria.
The final will take place at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat on Saturday, July 26.
Twanyanyukwa’s appointment marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first-ever referee from Namibia to officiate a WAFCON final. Her selection is a reward for her outstanding performances throughout the tournament, where she impressed with consistency, authority, and composure on the biggest stage in African women’s football.
Reacting to the news, an emotional Twanyanyukwa expressed her joy and gratitude:
“I didn’t expect this at all; I’m still in shock. But with God, all things are possible. 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.”
She added that her journey is a source of inspiration, especially for aspiring referees from smaller football nations:
“Personally, I believe I have the talent and the potential. They’ve seen what I can do, and now it’s my opportunity to prove it on the pitch. I know everyone will be happy for me back home. In Namibia, support comes naturally. I believe this moment will inspire many. To the young ones out there: work hard, stay disciplined, and always pray. Stay focused, and nothing will stop you from achieving your goals.”
CAF Praises Quality and Dedication
CAF’s Head of Refereeing, Desire Noumandiez Doue, praised Twanyanyukwa’s selection, describing it as a testament to her quality and work ethic:
“Her appointment was informed by her consistent quality and performance. It is the result of her hard work, both in training and in the matches she’s officiated, as well as her overall readiness.”
All-Female Elite Officiating Crew for Final Showdown
Twanyanyukwa will be supported by a team of experienced officials:
Assistant Referee 1: Alice Umutesi (Rwanda) Assistant Referee 2: Tabara Mbodji (Senegal) Fourth Official: Yet to be announced, VAR (Video Assistant Referee): Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda) AVAR 1: Letticia Viana (Eswatini) AVAR 2: Diana Chikotesha (Zambia).
Notably, Salima Mukansanga, a trailblazer in African refereeing, returns to WAFCON duty after officiating at the Olympic Games, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and making history in 2022 as the first woman to referee a men’s Africa Cup of Nations match.
Nigeria vs Morocco: A Clash of Titans
Saturday’s final promises to be a blockbuster as Nigeria’s Super Falcons, fresh from a hard-fought 2-1 semi-final victory over South Africa, aim to reclaim their continental dominance by winning a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Standing in their way are hosts Morocco, who reached the final after edging out Ghana on penalties. The North Africans famously eliminated Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition, and the Super Falcons will be eyeing revenge on Moroccan soil.
Under the guidance of coach Justine Madugu, Nigeria are seeking not just redemption but also a statement of enduring supremacy in African women’s football.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. local time, with millions of fans across Africa and beyond expected to tune in for what promises to be a thrilling finale.