AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Egyptian officials to handle Ethiopia v Sao Tome and Principe game

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed a full Egyptian refereeing team to oversee the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Ethiopia and São Tomé and Príncipe.

This appointment highlights CAF’s confidence in Egypt’s pool of experienced officials to manage high-stakes continental fixtures.

Leading the officiating team will be international referee Mohamed Maarouf, who brings a wealth of experience from domestic leagues and previous CAF competitions.

He will be supported by Samir Gamal as the first assistant referee and Ahmed Tawfik Talab as the second assistant, both of whom have built reputations for precision and consistency on the field.

Mahmoud Bassiouni has been designated as the fourth official, responsible for administrative duties and assisting with substitutions and match protocol.

The fixture is slated for March 31st at 8:00 PM Cairo time and is expected to draw significant attention from fans and analysts across Africa, as teams vie for crucial points in the qualifiers.

CAF’s selection of a seasoned Egyptian crew reflects the growing emphasis on maintaining strict officiating standards in Africa’s premier football tournaments.

This match not only serves as a critical step for both Ethiopia and São Tomé and Príncipe in their quest for Africa Cup of Nations qualification but also provides an important stage for the Egyptian referees to showcase their skills at a continental level.