AFCON 2025: Senegalese official Issa Sy takes charge of Egypt–Zimbabwe opener

Senegalese referee Issa Sy will launch his fourth Africa Cup of Nations campaign when he officiates the Group B opener between Egypt and Zimbabwe.

The match will take place on Monday at 8:00 PM GMT in Agadir as the 2025 AFCON begins its group-stage action.

CAF selected the 41-year-old to handle the high-profile fixture, marking another significant appointment in a career that has grown steadily in stature across the continent.

Sy previously took charge of matches at the 2019, 2022 and 2024 editions of the tournament, gaining experience that continues to strengthen his reputation among African football officials.

For the Egypt–Zimbabwe encounter, Sy will work alongside fellow referees Djibril Camara and Nouha Bangoura.

The trio will oversee a contest that opens Group B and immediately sets the tone for two nations with contrasting ambitions in the competition.

Egypt arrive with expectations of a deep run, while Zimbabwe seek a positive start to build momentum.

CAF officials rate Sy highly due to his consistency, authority and game management.

Over recent years, he has established himself among the most respected referees on the continent, regularly entrusted with demanding assignments.

His appointments reflect confidence in his ability to control matches involving strong personalities and intense tactical battles.

Beyond African competitions, Sy has also gained valuable exposure on the global stage.

He featured among the referees selected for the Club World Cup in the United States, a tournament that brings together champions from different continents.

During that event, he took charge of the widely discussed match in which Bayern Munich recorded a commanding 10–0 victory over Auckland City, a fixture that required firm control and sharp decision-making.

Despite his extensive experience, the Egypt–Zimbabwe match will represent a new chapter for Sy.

He has never previously refereed a game involving either national side, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the appointment.

His neutral history with both teams may help ensure a balanced and composed contest.

As the AFCON spotlight turns to Agadir, Sy’s performance will attract close attention from teams, supporters and officials alike.

With the tournament running from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, the opening fixtures carry added weight, and CAF expects its match officials to set strong standards from the very start.