The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the referee crew for the inaugural match of the Africa Cup of Nations between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau scheduled for this Saturday evening.
In a statement, CAF announced the appointment of an Egyptian refereeing team led by Amin Omar to officiate the first encounter of the continental tournament, taking place in Ivory Coast and running until February 11.
The referee team comprises Amin Omar as the main referee, assisted by Mahmoud Abu Elregal, Ahmed Hossam Taha, and Mohamed Marouf.
Mahmoud Ashour will assume the role of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) with the assistance of Mahmoud El Banna in this opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations at the “Hassan Wattara Olympic” Stadium in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan.
The match is part of the Group A fixtures, which also includes Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
The appointment of an Egyptian refereeing crew underscores the diversity and collaborative spirit within the African football community.
Amin Omar, an experienced referee, will lead the team in maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring fair play during this highly anticipated opening match.
As the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off, fans eagerly await the exciting clashes that will unfold on the pitch.
The chosen referee crew brings a wealth of experience, contributing to the overall success of the tournament.
This announcement sets the stage for a thrilling start to the prestigious competition, and football enthusiasts around the continent look forward to witnessing exceptional performances and fair officiating throughout the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.
