Trailblazers in football: Meet the 5 women referees making history at AFCON 2023

The upcoming AFCON 2023 is set to make history with the inclusion of five exceptional women referees, marking a significant milestone in the world of football officiating. Each of these referees brings a wealth of experience and skill to the tournament.

Rivet Maria Pakuita Cinquela from Mauritius has an impressive track record, having been involved in various high-profile football matches. She served as one of the VAR referees at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and was the 4th Official at the final of the Africa Women's Cup of Nations in 2022. 

Her experience includes being in charge of VAR in a match between Wyad Casablanca and Enyimba in October 2023, and officiating the Women's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final game where the Super Falcons lost to Morocco. For the AFCON 2023, she is listed as one of the Video Assistant Referees.

Diana Chikotesha, hailing from Zambia, is another prominent figure among the referees. She was a referee at the 2022 FIFA Women's U20 World Cup in Costa Rica and participated in the 2022 Africa Women's Nations Cup (WAFCON). 

Chikotesha has also been involved in the FIFA Women's World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2023 and was at the center in the CAF Women's Champions League last year. She started her FIFA career in 2014 and will be one of the 30 Assistant Referees at AFCON 2023.

Akohona Makalima from South Africa is making history as the first woman to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations. She has been a part of the FIFA list since 2014 and was part of FIFA’s officiating pool for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. 

With a national diploma in human resource management, Makalima is not only a prominent figure in African women's refereeing but also one of the most influential.

Salima Mukansanga has made significant strides in her refereeing career. She has been recognized for her work in various international tournaments, showcasing her expertise and commitment to the sport. 

Mukansanga's role in the upcoming AFCON 2023 adds to her impressive portfolio, further highlighting the increasing presence and recognition of women in top-level football officiating.

Bouchra Karboubi from Morocco is another notable referee who has earned her place in the AFCON 2023. Karboubi's journey in football officiating has been marked by her skillful handling of matches and her dedication to the integrity of the sport. 

Her participation in the tournament is not just a personal achievement but also a source of inspiration for aspiring female referees globally.