The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa as the match official for the highly anticipated WAFCON 2024 final between hosts Morocco and Nigeria’s Super Falcons, set to take place in Rabat on Saturday.
With this appointment, Twanyanyukwa makes history as the first Namibian referee to officiate a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. Her selection comes in recognition of her outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
Reacting to the news, Twanyanyukwa expressed her surprise 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 the appointment is a milestone not just for her, but for aspiring referees across Namibia:
“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 in Namibia will be happy for me. Support comes naturally there. I hope this moment inspires 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’s Head of Refereeing, Desire Noumandiez Doue, praised Twanyanyukwa’s consistency and dedication, stating:
“Their appointment was informed by their consistent quality and performance. It is the result of their hard work, both in training and in the matches they’ve officiated, as well as their overall readiness.”
Twanyanyukwa will be supported by Alice Umutesi of Rwanda as assistant referee one, and Tabara Mbodji of Senegal as assistant referee two.
Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga, a well-known figure in women’s football, will serve as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the match.
This landmark appointment highlights CAF’s commitment to recognising talent across the continent and promoting excellence in officiating at the highest levels of African women’s football.
