AFCON 2025: CAF announces referees for December 26 matches

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the official list of referees for Friday’s high-stakes group stage matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

With several fixtures set to influence qualification for the knockout rounds, the officials face the critical task of maintaining fairness and control on the pitch.

In Group A, hosts Morocco will take on Mali at 8:00 PM GMT at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Cameroonian referee Abdou Abdel Mefire will lead the officiating team, assisted by Styven Moutsassi Moyo and Chany Yanes Malondi, while Mauritanian Abdel Aziz Bouh will serve as fourth official.

Tunisian Haythem Guirat will operate the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), following scrutiny of the technology during the first matchday.

Earlier in the day, Egypt faces South Africa at 3:00 PM GMT in Agadir.

Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana will control the match, with Djibril Camara and Nouha Bangoura assisting.

Rwandan Samuel Uwikunda will serve as fourth official, and Dickens Mimisa Nyagrowa will oversee VAR operations.

The day’s action begins at 12:30 PM GMT with Angola against Zimbabwe in Marrakech. Kenyan referee Peter Waweru Kamaku will manage the game, assisted by Gilbert Kipkoech Cheruiyot and Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe.

Moroccan Mustapha Kechchaf will act as fourth official, and Hamza El Fariq will handle VAR duties.

Finally, Zambia meets Comoros at 5:30 PM GMT at Stade Mohamed V.

Mauritian Ahmad Imtehaz Heeralall will referee, assisted by Arsenio Chadreque Maringule and Abelmiro Dos Reis Monte Negro.

VAR will be led by Brighton Chimene, and Tunisian Mehrez Melki will serve as fourth official.

CAF has emphasized the importance of these appointments as teams aim to secure early momentum in the tournament.

With VAR under close observation and top-level referees assigned, Friday’s fixtures promise competitive football paired with strict officiating standards, critical for the integrity of AFCON 2025.