Zambian referees to officiate Angola vs. Eswatini world Cup qualifier
The refereeing team for the highly anticipated World Cup qualifier between Angola and Eswatini has been announced, with a distinguished Zambian quartet appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to oversee the match. Leading the team will be Hillary Hambaba, a seasoned referee from Zambia known for his recent role in officiating the final of the All Africa Games men’s football competition between Ghana and Uganda.
Hillary Hambaba, 37, has steadily built a reputation for his dedication and expertise in refereeing, earning prestigious appointments in significant matches.
His role in the upcoming qualifier is a testament to his growing stature in the African football scene.
This season, Hambaba also officiated in the CAF Confederation Cup, where he was the main referee for the first preliminary round match between Azam and Bahir Dar Kenema, issuing three yellow cards but no red cards, further showcasing his disciplined approach to the game.
Assisting Hambaba in the Angola vs. Eswatini match will be Diana Chikotesha and Meck Zulu.
Diana Chikotesha, who has been recognized as COSAFA’s best female referee, brings a wealth of experience and acclaim to the team.
Mathews Moonje Hamalila will serve as the fourth official, completing the competent Zambian refereeing quartet.
The match is set to take place on June 7 at the Stade du 11 Novembre, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m. GMT.
The involvement of such a distinguished refereeing team underscores the importance of the fixture, as both Angola and Eswatini vie for crucial points in the third day of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
With a capable and experienced refereeing team in charge, the match promises to be conducted with fairness and precision, ensuring that the focus remains on the players and the quality of football on display.
The Zambian referees’ appointment highlights CAF’s commitment to maintaining high standards of officiating in its competitions, contributing to the overall development and integrity of African football.
