Ghada Mehat has etched her name in Algerian football history by becoming the first woman to referee a quarter-final match in the Algerian Cup. At just 28 years old, Mehat, hailing from Sétif, reached this significant milestone during the clash between MC Alger and WA Tlemcen at the 5-Juillet stadium in Algiers.
While her colleague, Feriel Asma Ouahab, assisted as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) alongside referee Mustapha Ghorbal, Mehat’s performance garnered widespread acclaim.
Leading the first half of the match with firmness and precision, she adeptly utilized VAR to make crucial decisions, including awarding a penalty converted by Fennec Youcef Belaïli and canceling a WAT goal for offside.
Reflecting on her achievement, Mehat expressed her delight and gratitude, stating, “Of course, I am happy. I thank the FAF who trusted me. I also thank the public who created an extraordinary atmosphere
. It’s a pleasure to work in such conditions.” However, her aspirations extend beyond this historic moment, with Mehat harboring dreams of officiating at the Men’s World Cup. “I will do what is possible to achieve this goal,” she affirmed.
Mehat’s journey to the top echelons of refereeing has been marked by determination and perseverance.
Despite facing initial challenges, particularly stemming from the conservative customs of her region, she forged ahead, driven by her passion for the sport.
“My beginnings were very difficult,” she acknowledged, highlighting the hurdles she overcame to pursue her passion for refereeing.
As the second Algerian woman to obtain the international referee badge, Mehat’s success serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring referees, especially women, across Algeria.
Her achievements underscore the transformative power of talent and determination in breaking down traditional barriers.
Looking ahead, Mehat’s dream of officiating at the Men’s World Cup symbolizes a future where football knows no boundaries.
As she continues to pave the way for future generations, Ghada Mehat stands as a testament to the inclusive spirit of the beautiful game, demonstrating that passion and skill know no gender.
😱 ¡La árbitra principal del MC Alger contra WA Tlemcen de Copa de Argelia habló una vez finalizado el partido para explicar algunas decisiones que se han dado durante el encuentro y sus deseos de futuro!
Pocas veces se ve esto y es un acierto total 👇🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Ho1YOHNj7z
— ÁFRICA FUTBOLERA (@AfricaFutbolera) April 14, 2024
