When Antsino Twanyanyukwa steps onto the pitch in Rabat this Saturday, she won’t just be officiating a match — she’ll be rewriting history for Southern African referees.
The Namibian official has been selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to handle the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final between hosts Morocco and Nigeria’s Super Falcons a fixture many are calling the tournament’s ultimate showdown.
Twanyanyukwa becomes the first referee from Namibia to officiate a WAFCON final, a milestone CAF says is based purely on “consistent excellence”.
“She was chosen based on merit — her work in earlier games, her conduct in training, and her readiness for this level,” said CAF’s Head of Refereeing, Désiré Noumandiez Doué. “This is a reward for dedication, not chance.”
Twanyanyukwa, visibly emotional about her historic call-up, told PUNCH Sports Extra:
“I didn’t expect this at all; I’m still in shock. But with God, all things are possible.
WAFCON is a major stage and expectations are high. I know the whole continent is watching, and we must give our absolute best.”
The 33-year-old also used her moment to inspire others:
“Personally, I believe I have the talent and the potential. They’ve seen what I can do.
This moment will inspire many. To the young ones: work hard, stay disciplined, and always pray. Stay focused, and nothing will stop you from achieving your goals.”
She will be supported by a team of accomplished officials: Alice Umutesi of Rwanda as assistant referee one, Tabara Mbodji of Senegal as assistant referee two, and Salima Mukansanga Rwanda’s trailblazing referee known for her roles at the Olympics, Women’s World Cup, and AFCON — as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Mukansanga will work alongside AVAR 1 Letticia Viana (Eswatini) and AVAR 2 Diana Chikotesha (Zambia).
Saturday’s clash is more than a rematch. Nigeria will be seeking revenge for their WAFCON 2022 semi-final defeat to Morocco a tense fixture marred by penalties and crowd pressure. The Super Falcons, now under Justin Madugu, will also be chasing their 10th African title.
