Shamirah Nabadda’s steady climb to the top of African refereeing reached another proud moment on Friday.
CAF confirmed that the Ugandan official will take charge of the Group-stage match between Benin and Botswana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, December 27, at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium. Kick-off is at 3:30 p.m. EAT.
Recently named CAF’s Best Female Referee of 2025, Nabadda’s appointment is a historic one. She becomes the first Ugandan centre referee to officiate at AFCON since Muhammad Ssegonga at the 2010 tournament in Angola, bringing Uganda back to the centre of Africa’s biggest football stage after 15 years.
In Rabat, Nabadda will lead a seasoned officiating team. She will be assisted by Zambia’s Diana Chikotesha and Cameroon’s Carine Atezambong Fomo, with Ivory Coast’s Clement Franklin Kpan serving as the fourth official. Gabon’s Pierre Ghislan Atcho will handle VAR duties, assisted by Letticia Antonella Viana and Fatou Gaye, who will also act as the referee’s assessor.
