Three Algerian referees have been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to oversee the highly anticipated Women’s Africa Cup of Nations group stage clash between Ghana and Mali, scheduled for Friday, 11 July 2025, at Berkane Municipal Stadium.
Ghada Mehat will take the lead as the central referee, supported by compatriot Feriel Asma Ouahab as assistant referee.
VAR duties will be handled by Lahlou Benbraham, completing the all-Algerian officiating team for the fixture.
Kick-off is set for 17:00 GMT.
CAF’s decision to entrust the trio with this high-stakes fixture underscores the growing prominence of Algerian referees on the African stage, particularly in women’s football.
In recent years, Algerian officials have increasingly featured in top-tier continental competitions, marking a notable rise in recognition for their consistency and professionalism.
For Mehat, this assignment represents another milestone in an already distinguished refereeing career.
Her steady presence in previous national and CAF tournaments has earned widespread respect, and her latest appointment is seen as further validation of her capabilities on the international scene.
The same applies to Ouahab and Benbraham, who continue to build reputations as dependable figures in their respective roles.
The match itself carries significant weight in Group B. Ghana, who suffered a setback in their opening fixture, are under pressure to secure a positive result to keep their hopes of qualification alive.
Mali, buoyed by their victory over Tanzania, are looking to build on their strong start and edge closer to the knockout stages.
With emotions likely to run high on both sides, the officiating team will play a vital role in ensuring the match remains fair and well-disciplined.
The stakes for both nations, combined with the intensity of the competition, will demand a high level of concentration and decisiveness from the referees.
As African women’s football continues to grow in stature and competitiveness, the development of top-level referees remains a cornerstone of the sport’s progress.
The appointment of Mehat, Ouahab, and Benbraham to such a pivotal fixture is not only a nod to their individual talents but also a sign of confidence in Algeria’s growing contribution to officiating excellence on the continent.
All eyes will be on Berkane on Friday — not just for the football on display, but for the standard of officiating that will help define it.
