Ghada Mehat, Asma Feriel Ouahab, and Lahlou Benbraham have been named among the officiating team for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), representing Algeria at the prestigious tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco from 5 to 26 July 2025.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially announced the full list of match officials on Thursday, confirming the selection of 46 referees for the upcoming continental competition.
This includes 18 centre referees, 18 assistant referees, and 10 video assistant referees (VAR), chosen from across the African continent.
In what marks a record-breaking appointment, CAF has selected more officials than in any previous edition of the tournament, surpassing the 40 officials called up for the 2022 event. This expanded list features officials from 30 different countries, with five representatives from the host nation, Morocco.
Algeria’s representation is led by Ghada Mehat, who will serve as a central referee. Recognised as one of the top female referees on the continent, Mehat has steadily built a reputation for her confident decision-making and authoritative presence on the pitch. Her inclusion underscores her consistent performance at both national and international levels.
Joining her is assistant referee Asma Feriel Ouahab, whose experience and reliability on the touchline have earned her a spot among Africa’s elite.
Ouahab’s prior assignments include various continental competitions, and her tactical understanding of the game makes her a trusted figure in CAF’s officiating pool.
Completing the Algerian trio is Lahlou Benbraham, who has been selected for his expertise in video assistant refereeing. As the use of VAR becomes increasingly pivotal in international football, Benbraham’s inclusion signals CAF’s continued commitment to modernising officiating standards.
Known for his precision in interpreting critical match situations, Benbraham’s presence in the VAR room will be vital during the tournament’s key moments.
CAF’s broader selection this year includes some of the continent’s most seasoned officials, among them Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga, who famously refereed the final of the previous Afcon edition in 2022, where South Africa triumphed 2-1 over Morocco.
The high number of appointments reflects CAF’s intent to deliver a well-managed and professionally run tournament, ensuring officiating meets international standards.
The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, though set to be played in 2025 due to scheduling adjustments, promises to be one of the most competitive editions to date. With expanded participation and increasing investment in women’s football across Africa, CAF’s selection of experienced referees and technical staff is seen as a crucial step towards elevating the overall quality of the competition.
For Algeria, the selection of Mehat, Ouahab, and Benbraham is not only a source of national pride but also a testament to the country’s growing stature in African football officiating.
Their inclusion highlights the depth of talent within the Algerian refereeing ranks and reflects years of dedication to the craft.
As preparations continue ahead of the July kickoff, the three Algerian officials will be among those responsible for upholding the integrity and fairness of the game at the highest level. Their performance in Morocco will be closely watched, both at home and across the continent, as CAF strives to showcase African football at its finest.
