Mahmood Ali Mahmood has been selected to officiate the highly anticipated round of 16 match between Morocco and South Africa in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The fixture is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 9 p.m. at the prestigious Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro.
Mahmood Ali Mahmood, a 35-year-old Sudanese referee, is a relative newcomer to the African Cup of Nations football scene, making his debut in Ivory Coast.
Despite his limited experience, Mahmood will be taking charge of his second AFCON match, building on the success of his previous officiation in the game between Senegal and Cameroon (3-1) on January 18.
Assisting Mahmood on the field will be the Cameroonian duo of Elvis Guy Nguengoue Noupue and Mohamed Abdullah Ibrahim, with Rwandan Samuel Uwikunda serving as the fourth referee.
The upcoming match against Morocco and South Africa marks a pivotal moment for Mahmood Ali Mahmood to further solidify his reputation for professionalism and adept management of high-stakes encounters.
His debut in the AFCON final phase showcased his ability to navigate the emotions of competing teams, particularly in the Senegal vs. Cameroon fixture.
With a background that includes officiating Champions League matches, CAF Cup, AFCON , and World Cup qualifying matches, Mahmood Ali Mahmood has a rich history in African football.
His recent involvement in CHAN 2022 in Algeria, along with previous selections for AFCON U20 in Mauritania in 2021, underscores his growing prominence in the continental football refereeing landscape.
As the Laurent Pokou Stadium prepares to host this crucial AFCON fixture, all eyes will be on Mahmood Ali Mahmood, who has the opportunity to affirm his standing as a distinguished referee in African football.
