Rwandan ‘Salima should be celebrated for her hard work and clear example to girls in Africa who have passion for football’
By Uzor Odigbo
Rwandan Salima Mukansanga made history on Tuesday, as she became the first woman centre referee to officiate an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match in the 65-year old history of the tournament.
Mukansanga officiated the Group B clash between Zimbabwe and Guinea at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde.
Salima first put her name in the history books of African football on January 10, 2022, by becoming the first woman to officiate a match at an AFCON tournament when she was appointed as a fourth official in the game between Guinea and Malawi in Bafoussam.
CAF Head of Referees, Eddy Maillet, had in a statement said the historic moment was as a result of CAF’s clear commitment and investment to improve and advance the standard of refereeing in Africa.
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“We are super proud of Salima because she has had to work exceptionally hard to be where she is today. We know that for a woman, she has had to overcome serious obstacles to reach this level and she deserves a lot of credit.
“This moment is not just for Salima but for every young girl in Africa who has passion for football and who sees herself as a referee in the future”, Maillet told CAFOnline.
The game ended 2-1 in favour of Zimbabwe, courtesy of two first half goals from Knowledge Musona and Kudakwashe Majachi. Liverpool’s Midfielder, Naby Keita pulled a goal back immediately after the restart, but it could only serve as a consolation