Botswanan referee Thabang Ketshabile appointed for Congo–Tanzania World Cup qualifier

Thabang Ketshabile of Botswana has been confirmed as the referee for Congo’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifying clash against Tanzania on 5 September in Brazzaville.

FIFA officially announced the appointment, placing the experienced official at the heart of one of Group E’s most closely watched encounters.

The fixture marks a vital stage in the qualifiers, with both sides vying for crucial points as the campaign enters its decisive phase. Ketshabile, who has built a strong reputation across the continent for his authority and composure, will oversee proceedings, supported by an all-Botswanan officiating team.

Confidence in Botswanan officials

The decision highlights FIFA’s growing confidence in Botswana’s refereeing standards, with the quartet chosen entirely from the same federation to guarantee cohesion and consistency throughout the match.

Ketshabile will be assisted by Lucky Kegakologetswe and Gaselame Tiolo, while Keabetswe Dintwa takes the role of fourth official.

For African football, the appointment of a unified team from Botswana demonstrates a broader commitment to elevating the visibility and influence of referees from nations that historically have not been at the forefront of the international stage.

By entrusting this high-stakes match to officials from Gaborone and beyond, FIFA is underscoring the country’s steady rise in football governance and professionalism.

Brazzaville prepares for a decisive encounter

The spotlight in Brazzaville will not only be on the two teams fighting for qualification but also on the officiating team tasked with keeping control in what promises to be an intense battle.

Both Congo and Tanzania are under pressure to secure points, and FIFA’s choice of Ketshabile reflects a belief in his ability to remain calm under pressure while ensuring fair play.

The Botswanan referee has consistently demonstrated his ability to manage games of consequence, and his presence is expected to bring a sense of balance and authority to proceedings.

With emotions likely to run high, particularly in front of a passionate home crowd, his leadership on the field will be vital.

Supporting roles from across Africa

Alongside the Botswanan referees, other African officials will also play key roles in the match’s organization. Benin’s Hugues Alain Adjovi has been appointed as referee assessor, responsible for evaluating the performance of the officials and ensuring adherence to international standards.

Pedro Abeku Ondo of Equatorial Guinea will act as match commissioner, overseeing logistical and administrative aspects to guarantee smooth delivery of the fixture.

Together, this diverse panel reflects FIFA’s efforts to combine regional expertise with international standards in ensuring integrity and professionalism in Africa’s World Cup qualifiers.

Full officiating team for Congo–Tanzania

• Central referee: Thabang Ketshabile (Botswana)

• Assistant referee 1: Lucky Kegakologetswe (Botswana)

• Assistant referee 2: Gaselame Tiolo (Botswana)

• Fourth official: Keabetswe Dintwa (Botswana)

• Referee assessor: Hugues Alain Adjovi (Benin)

• Match commissioner: Pedro Abeku Ondo (Equatorial Guinea)

As the countdown to 5 September continues, attention will increasingly focus on both the footballing stakes and the officials tasked with maintaining control.

For Ketshabile and his Botswanan colleagues, the occasion represents both a test and an opportunity to further cement their place on the international stage.