Match officials for Monday’s Group C fixtures at the 2024 African Nations Championship have been confirmed, with Mehrez Melki set to oversee Niger’s encounter with Guinea and Adalbert Diouf appointed for the highly anticipated showdown between hosts Uganda and Algeria.
The Mandela National Stadium in Namboole will host both matches on 4 August, as the tournament moves into a decisive stage.
Niger and Guinea will kick off proceedings at 14:00 GMT, before Uganda take on Algeria at 17:00 GMT. Organisers have underlined their commitment to high refereeing standards by assigning experienced officials to the day’s double-header.
Mehrez Melki will take charge of the opening game between Niger and Guinea. The Tunisian referee brings a wealth of experience to the role and will be supported by a strong officiating team.
His assistants include Wael Hannachi and Malondi Chany Yanes, with Messiah Jessie Oved Nkounkou Mvoutou serving as the fourth official. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth will be manned by Samir Guezzaz, assisted by Hamza El Fariq.
This match promises to be a critical test for both Niger and Guinea as they aim to secure early points in a group that remains finely poised.
The inclusion of top-tier officials underscores the Confederation of African Football’s intention to ensure fair play and precision across the tournament.
In the evening fixture, Ugandan fans will be looking to their team for a strong showing on home soil as they face a technically gifted Algerian side. Senegalese referee Adalbert Diouf will be at the helm of this crucial encounter.
He will be joined by assistant referees Eba Médard Wenceslas Ettien and Habib Judicael Oumar Sanou. The fourth official role will be filled by Clément Franklin Kpan, while VAR duties fall to Issa Sy and Abongile Tom.
The appointment of Diouf for this high-stakes match reflects the confidence the CAF refereeing committee has in his abilities, particularly in managing pressure-filled fixtures.
Uganda’s match against Algeria is expected to attract considerable attention, not only due to the hosts’ involvement but also because both teams are viewed as serious contenders for qualification from Group C.
The selection of officials for these games also highlights the increasing role of technology in African football, with the use of VAR further demonstrating CAF’s investment in match integrity.
Each referee and assistant selected has undergone rigorous preparation ahead of the tournament to meet the expectations of fans, players, and officials alike.
As CHAN 2024 progresses, the focus will not only be on the action on the pitch but also on the performance of referees like Melki and Diouf, whose decisions will be pivotal in shaping the outcomes of tightly contested matches. Monday’s double-header in Namboole is set to be a major talking point as Group C kicks into gear.
