Six Women Referees to Officiate at 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast

Women continue to make giant strides in football with their inclusion in decision-making in Africa and around the world. Six women referees taking to pitches at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast will be building on a growing legacy for young women around the world.

With the introduction of the first African woman referee at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2021 and three more women referees at the 2022 Fifa World Cup, the expansion of women into football decision-making continues in the Ivory Coast where a total of six women are officiating at the 2023 Afcon tournament.

The six are among 68 match officials appointed for the delayed 2023 tournament, each of whom brings a wealth of experience. This marks a significant milestone almost unthinkable just five years ago.

So, who are the six female referees officiating at the Afcon 2023?

Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga made history by becoming the first female referee to officiate an Afcon men’s game, at the 2021 Afcon tournament in Cameroon.

South African Akhona Makalima has seen her star continue to rise in the last two years and is set to make her debut at the Afcon.

Morocco’s Bouchra Karboubi is another debutant at the 2023 Afcon and the only woman selected to officiate in the final rounds of the competition.

Zambian Diana Chikotesha is taking over her first assignment in a men’s game but she has also enjoyed a meteoric rise.

Video Assistant Referees (VAR) have become the subject of discussion ever since the technology was introduced due to their somewhat controversial decisions and in the Ivory Coast, Rivet Maria Pakuita Cinquela from Mauritius is one of them.

Cameroon’s Carine Atezambong will also work as an assistant referee in what will be her debut Afcon tournament.

Source: Joel Omotto/Bird News Agency