Exclusive: Abdel Mefire leads Cameroon trio appointed to officiate Gabon’s title decider

By Angu Lesley

Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon

Cameroonian referee Abdel Mefire and assistant referees Carine Fomo Atezambong and Rodrigue Menye Mpele have been appointed to officiate the decisive Gabon National Professional Football League (LINAFP) fixture between ASO Stade Mandji and AS Mangasport on Saturday, July 4, at the Pierre-Claver Divoungui Stadium in Port-Gentil.

According to an official communiqué issued by the Ligue Nationale de Football Professionnel (LINAFP), the appointment follows a request made in collaboration with the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) for an international refereeing team from Cameroon to oversee the title-deciding encounter and guarantee neutrality and sporting fairness.

The communiqué states that the Cameroonian officials were designated to handle “the decisive match of the National Championship” as part of measures aimed at ensuring the integrity of the competition.

The trio are expected to travel to Libreville on Friday ahead of the highly anticipated fixture.

The assignment is another major continental recognition for Cameroonian officiating. Abdel Mefire was the centre referee for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final, while assistant referee Rodrigue Menye Mpele—Cameroon’s Best Assistant Referee in 2024—has officiated at multiple CHAN tournaments, including several finals.

Completing the team is Carine Fomo Atezambong, one of Africa’s most accomplished assistant referees. She has officiated at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, worked at multiple Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, and featured in more than 15 major international tournaments, cementing her reputation among the continent’s elite match officials.

The latest appointment further reinforces Cameroon’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading producers of top-level match officials and reflects the growing confidence of African football authorities in the country’s refereeing standards.