By Awambeng Fuh
Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the list of officials selected for the second preparatory course ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with Ghana and Nigeria among the nations represented as Africa’s finest match officials prepare for the continent’s premier women’s football tournament.
Ghana will be represented by referee Rita Boateng and assistant referee Beauty Terah Kabeda, while Nigeria’s delegation includes referee Yemissi Eunice Akintoye, assistant referee Nassou Elizabeth, committee member Irabor Faith Uwugiaren, and Gbla Agnes Abdul among the assistant referees. Their inclusion reflects the growing influence of West African officials in continental competitions as CAF seeks to assemble the best refereeing team for a tournament that carries enormous stakes.
Morocco emerges as the country with the highest representation in the selection course, boasting six officials across various categories. The host nation is represented by referees Harmasse Zoulaihka and Zakia Elgrini, assistant referees Karima Khadiri, Ihsane Nejouali, and Soukaina Hamdi, as well as instructor Mohammed Guezzaz. Cameroon and Nigeria are among the next most represented countries with four officials each, while Zambia also has a strong presence through referee Gloria Sambumba, assistant referees Kasitu Nancy and Diana Chikotesha, and instructor Janny Sikazwe.
The list is packed with some of the continent’s most recognizable names in officiating. Cameroon’s Carine Atezambong, who recently served as Video Assistant Referee in the CAF Confederation Cup final, is among the assistant referees selected. South Africa’s highly respected Akhona Zenithi Makalima, Egypt’s Shahenda Saad Elmaghrabi, Namibia’s Victoria Shangula, and Rwanda’s Aline Umutoni also feature among the elite officials invited for the course.
Scheduled from June 25 to 30, 2026, the selection programme will play a crucial role in determining the officials who will oversee matches at WAFCON 2026 in Morocco. The tournament carries unprecedented significance as it will double as Africa’s qualification competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, making every decision on and off the field more important than ever.
With World Cup tickets on the line and women’s football continuing its rapid growth across the continent, CAF’s latest selection underlines its commitment to ensuring that Africa’s biggest women’s football competition is officiated by the very best referees, assistant referees, instructors and technical experts available.
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