In a milestone moment for African football, Antsino Twanyanyukwa of Namibia has been appointed the centre referee for the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 in Morocco. This appointment makes her the first-ever Namibian to officiate a WAFCON final — a monumental achievement that highlights both her personal journey and the growing spotlight on women in African officiating.
Antsino’s journey to the pinnacle of African women’s football officiating has been defined by resilience, precision, and professionalism. Her calm match control and confident decision-making throughout the tournament earned her the admiration of CAF’s Technical and Refereeing Committee and sealed her historic place in Saturday’s final between Nigeria and Morocco, set to be played at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Read Also: “Only ₦7K for Feeding” — Brown Ideye’s Hard Truths About Life at Enyimba
“I didn’t expect this at all. I’m still in shock,” Antsino shared. “But with God, all things are possible. WAFCON is a major competition, and expectations are high. We go into this match knowing the whole continent is watching. We have to give our very best.”
Antsino will be flanked by some of Africa’s brightest officiating talents. Alice Umutesi of Rwanda and Tabara Mbodji of Senegal will serve as Assistant Referees. Both have been praised for their sharp calls and tactical positioning throughout the tournament.
Read Also: Flying Eagles Fall to Ivorian Resilience in WAFU B U20 Final
VAR Led by a Continental Icon
In the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth, CAF has entrusted officiating legend Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda — a global pioneer in the game who made history at AFCON 2022 and has officiated at multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic Games.
Joining her are Letticia Viana from Eswatini as AVAR 1 and Diana Chikotesha of Zambia as AVAR 2, both part of CAF’s new generation of highly rated officials.
Excellence Built on Merit
CAF’s Head of Refereeing, Desire Noumandiez Doue, emphasized that the appointments for the final were made strictly on merit.
“Their performances across the tournament were marked by consistency in tactical awareness, game management, and poise under pressure,” he noted. “Antsino in particular has shown exceptional growth. She has been monitored closely for the past three years and has emerged as a top candidate for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
Doué also highlighted the importance of mental and tactical preparation for such a high-stakes match, underscoring that referees carry the hopes of millions when they walk onto the pitch.
Read Also: Sisterhood in Stripes: Aline and Alice Rewrite the African Refereeing Narrative at WAFCON
A Symbol of Inspiration
For Antsino, the moment transcends officiating. It’s about representation, legacy, and pride.
“I know people back home in Namibia will be proud. I hope this inspires the younger generation. Stay disciplined, stay focused, and always keep your faith. With that, nothing is impossible,” she said.
CAF’s decision to appoint an all-women officiating team for the final reinforces its commitment to developing women’s football and providing equitable opportunities for women across every aspect of the game.
As Nigeria and Morocco prepare to battle for continental glory, Antsino Twanyanyukwa and her team will carry another torch — that of African progress, excellence, and possibility on the global stage.
