AFCON 2023: North, West Africa take lion’s share of referee’s preselection list

This year's referee selection list has raised eyebrows as it excludes well-known figures like Papa Bakery Gassama, a veteran of more than three AFCON tournaments, and Maquette Ndiaye, who has officiated at numerous tournaments but is conspicuously absent from this year's pre-selection list.

Under the leadership of the new referees committee, several promising officials, including Samuel Uwikunda, Daniel, Ahmed Heerelal, and Issa Sy, have been given an opportunity to shine.

Additionally, fresh from their roles in the U20 World Cup, up-and-coming referees Tom Abongile, Abdel Aziz Bouh, and others have been included.

The pre-selection list also acknowledges the importance of experience by featuring referees like Mustapha Ghorbal, Bamlak Tessama Weyase, Jean Claude Ndala Ngambo, and Burundian Pacifique Ndabihawinimana, who has recently recovered from an injury.

In a noteworthy development, a year after his retirement, South African Victor Gomes will be representing the Confederation in a preparatory role.

Meanwhile, Mike van der Roest will represent the International Football Association FIFA to oversee the entire process.

It's worth noting that Uganda is still in search of a referee to represent them at the senior tournament, with the last candidate, Mark Sonko, unable to officiate a match during the 2019 AFCON due to a sprained ankle.

The author is a retired FUFA referee