Initially designated as the Moroccan referee Redouane Jiyed, the Committee for the Appointment of CAF Referees has redirected its choice to the Ethiopian referee, Bamlak Tessema.
Sources close to the matter have revealed that Redouane Jiyed expressed disappointment over not being appointed to referee the AFCON 2023 final.
Consequently, he requested CAF to replace him, leading to the decision to bring in the Ethiopian referee, Tessema.
This eleventh-hour change adds a layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated match between South Africa and DR Congo.
The decision to replace Jiyed reflects the dynamic nature of the refereeing assignments in prestigious tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations.
As the match unfolds, the eyes of football enthusiasts will be on Bamlak Tessema, who now holds the responsibility of officiating the crucial encounter.
Alongside him, the assistant referees Lahcen Ezekaw and Mustapha Akrad, both Moroccans, will play pivotal roles in ensuring the fair and just execution of the game.
Additionally, Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia has been assigned as the fourth referee for the match.
The adjustments in the refereeing team highlight the meticulous nature of tournament preparations and the commitment to upholding the highest standards in officiating.
Football fans worldwide eagerly await the outcome of this change, which may influence the course of the match and potentially impact the teams’ quest for AFCON 2023 glory.
