2024 CHAN Referee List: Official Match Officials Announced for the African Nations Championship

2024 CHAN Referee List: CAF has officially approved the list of selected referees who will officiate at the 2024 African Nations Championship. The competition, a highly prestigious one bringing together some of the best national teams in Africa, runs from 1st to 28th February 2025. The championship, extending between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is bound to be an electrifying piece of football with this highly talented list of referees moderating the events.

This year, 65 match officials have been named, including center referees, assistant referees, and video assistant referees (VAR). Among them, Uganda proudly contributes Lucky Razake Kasalirwe, who will serve as a center referee, and Ronald Katenya, an assistant referee.

To help you stay informed, we’ve compiled the complete list of referees and provided key insights into their roles in the 2024 CHAN.

What Is the CHAN Referee Selection Process?

CAF’s selection of referees for the CHAN is rigorous, focusing on skill, experience, and impartiality. Each referee undergoes extensive training and testing to ensure they meet the demands of international matches. With the stakes high and matches closely contested, the selected officials play a critical role in maintaining fairness and integrity on the field.

Full List of 2024 CHAN Referees

Here’s the breakdown of the referees selected for the tournament:

Center Referees

These referees are responsible for overseeing match conduct, enforcing the rules, and making critical decisions during gameplay.

1. Adissa Abdoul Raphiou Ligali – Benin
2. Outtara Jean – Burkina Faso
3. Mohamed Athoumani – Comoros
4. Messie Jessie Oved Nvoulou – Congo
5. Kpan Clement Franklin – Côte d’Ivoire
6. Malala Kabanga Yannick – DR Congo
7. Ahmed Nagy Mosa Mohamoud – Egypt
8. Tsegay Teglu Mogos – Eritrea
9. Jammeh Lamin – The Gambia
10. Nyagrowa Dickens Mimisa – Kenya
11. Ahmed Abdulrazg – Libya
12. Rakotojaona Andofetra – Madagascar
13. Diakate Ousmane – Mali
14. Milazare Patrice – Mauritius
15. Kech Chaf Mustapha – Morocco
16. Abdusalam Kasimu Abiola – Nigeria
17. Diouf Adalbert – Senegal
18. Jelly Alfred Chavani – South Africa
19. Ahmed Arajiga – Tanzania
20. Aklesso Gnama – Togo
21. Melkie Meherez – Tunisia
22. Lucky Razake Kasalirwe – Uganda
23. Bouchira Kaboubi – Morocco
24. Celso Armindo Alvacao – Mozambique
25. Twanyanyukwa Antsino – Namibia
26. Amedome Vicentia – Togo

Assistant Referees

Assistant referees support the center referee by monitoring offside decisions, fouls, and ball position near the sidelines.

1. Bouzit Ahmza – Algeria
2. Ngila Guilain Bongele – DR Congo
3. Lucky Kegalogetswe – Botswana
4. Sanou Habib Judicael Omar – Burkina Faso
5. Emery Niyongabo – Burundi
6. Rodrigue Menye Mpele – Cameroon
7. Amaldine Soulaimane – Comoros
8. Malondi Chany Yanes – Congo
9. Fasika Biru Yehualashet – Ethiopia
10. Jawo Abdul Aziz – The Gambia
11. Addy Roland Nii Dodoo – Ghana
12. Mwangi Samuel Kuria – Kenya
13. Joel Wonka Doe – Liberia
14. Diba Hamedine – Mauritania
15. Nassiri Hamza – Morocco
16. Yacouba Abdoul Aziz – Niger
17. Dieudonne Mutuyimana – Rwanda
18. Omer Hamid Mohammed Ahmed – Sudan
19. Komba John Frank – Tanzania
20. Wael Hanachi – Tunisia
21. Ronald Katenya – Uganda
22. Fomo Carine Atezambong – Cameroon
23. Kone Fanta Idrissa – Mali
24. Diana Chikotesha – Zambia

Video Assistant Referees (VAR)

VAR referees ensure match fairness by reviewing and assisting with decisions on goals, penalties, and other critical incidents.

1. Mahmoud Ashour – Egypt
2. Lahlou Benbraham – Algeria
3. Letticia Viana – Eswatini
4. Atcho Pierre Ghisiain – Gabon
5. Daniel Nii Ayii Lareya – Ghana
6. Waweru Peter – Kenya
7. Dahane Beida – Mauritania
8. Maria Cinquela Pakuita Rivet – Mauritius
9. Hamza El Fariq – Morocco
10. Salima Mukansanga – Rwanda
11. Issa Sy – Senegal
12. Abongile Tom – South Africa
13. Akhona Makalima – South Africa
14. Maythem Guirat – Tunisia

Uganda’s Role in the 2024 CHAN

Uganda is honored to have two referees representing the nation in this prestigious tournament:

• Lucky Razake Kasalirwe: As a center referee, Kasalirwe will oversee matches, making key decisions to ensure fair play.
• Ronald Katenya: Serving as an assistant referee, Katenya will focus on offside decisions and supporting the center referee.

This achievement highlights the growing recognition of Ugandan referees on the international stage.

Key Insights on the 2024 CHAN Referee List

1. Diversity in Representation

The 2024 CHAN referee list reflects the wide array of talent across Africa. Officials hail from over 30 countries, ensuring a diverse and inclusive team.

2. Emphasis on Technology

The inclusion of VAR officials underscores CAF’s dedication to utilizing modern technology for accurate decision-making during matches.

3. Referees as Ambassadors

Each referee not only represents their country but also contributes to the integrity and professionalism of African football.

Why Referees Are Crucial to CHAN’s Success

Referees are at the heart of every match, ensuring that games are played fairly and within the rules. Their decisions can make or break a game, making their role indispensable. With CAF prioritizing quality officiating, fans can expect matches that uphold the highest standards of fairness and sportsmanship.