Confederations of African Football (CAF) has removed referee duo of Boubou Traoré (Mali) and Abdou Abdel Mefire (Cameroon) from the remainder of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, being held in Morocco.
As per BSN Sports, the decision is part of an internal assessment to maintain high officiating standards as the tournament enters the semi-final stage.
Concerns were raised about referees during the quarterfinals games of the continental showpiece, prompting the decision from the continental football governing body.
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations enters the semi-final stage, with Nigeria taking on host country, Morocco, while Senegal lock horns with Egypt on Wednesday.
The high-stake clash between Nigeria and Morocco has been scheduled to take place at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, with victory crucial to securing qualification to the finals of the tournament.
On the other side, the Pharaohs of Egypt will battle it out with Senegal at the Grand Stade de Tanger. It promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams seeking for a place in the final.
The winner of both ties will compete in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The match between Egypt and Senegal is a repeat of the 2021 AFCON final in Cameroon, where the Taranga Lions defeated the Pharaohs to secure their first continental title.
