In what has become a pace setting feat, Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga has become the first woman to referee an Africa Cup of Nations match.
Mukansanga officiated the Group B clash between Guinea and Zimbabwe at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde in the ongoing AFCON.
Meanwhile, on 10 January 2022, Mukansanga made history by becoming the first woman to officiate a match in the Africa Cup of Nations when she was appointed as a fourth official in the game between Guinea and Malawi in Bafoussam.
Harping on the development, CAF Head of Referees, Eddy Maillet, had in a statement said the historic moment was as a result of CAF’s clear commitment and investment to improve and advance the standard of refereeing in Africa.
Maillet said, “We are super proud of Salima because she has had to work exceptionally hard to be where she is today. We know that as a woman, she has had to overcome serious obstacles to reach this level and she deserves a lot of credit.
“This moment is not just for Salima but for every young girl in Africa who has passion for football and who sees herself as a referee in the future.”
