An all-Egyptian refereeing team will take charge of the Africa Cup of Nations round-of-16 clash between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, a fixture that promises intensity and high stakes as both nations fight for a place in the quarter-finals of AFCON 2025.
CAF confirmed the appointments ahead of the encounter, entrusting the responsibility to a group of officials with extensive experience at continental level.
Mohamed Maarouf will referee the match, a figure well known within African football circles for handling demanding fixtures with authority and composure.
His familiarity with both teams adds an extra layer of assurance, having previously overseen matches involving North African sides in competitive and friendly contexts.
Maarouf will receive assistance from Mahmoud Abou El-Regal and Ahmed Hossam Taha, who will operate as first and second assistant referees respectively.
Both officials bring significant experience from CAF competitions and domestic top-flight matches, ensuring close monitoring of offside decisions, fouls, and incidents along the flanks.
Ameen Omar will serve as fourth official, taking responsibility for technical area management, substitutions, and coordination with team benches.
His role will prove crucial in maintaining discipline and flow, especially in a knockout match where tension often runs high and marginal decisions can influence momentum.
CAF has also confirmed that Mahmoud Achour will supervise the Video Assistant Referee system.
VAR involvement remains a central element of the tournament, designed to reduce clear and obvious errors in key moments such as penalties, red cards, and goals.
Achour’s task will involve close communication with the on-field referee to ensure accuracy without disrupting the rhythm of play.
The decision to appoint an all-Egyptian crew reflects CAF’s confidence in the neutrality and competence of the officials selected.
With Algeria seeking to assert its tournament pedigree and DR Congo aiming to extend an impressive campaign, refereeing consistency will remain under close scrutiny.
As kickoff approaches, focus now shifts fully to the pitch, where discipline, composure, and execution will decide who advances, while the Egyptian officiating team prepares to manage one of AFCON 2025’s most anticipated knockout fixtures.
