CAN 2021 : THE RWANDAN REFEREE SALIMA MUKANSANGA HAS JUST CREATES AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS HISTORY

History-making Rwandan referee Salima Mukansanga (3R) lines up with the assistant referees, the fourth official and the captains of Zimbabwe and Guinea, Knowledge Musona (2L) and Naby Keita (2R) before an Africa Cup of Nations Group B match in Yaounde on Tuesday. Kenzo Tribouillard AFP

Rwandan Salima Mukansanga became the first woman to referee an Africa Cup of Nations match when she oversaw the Group B clash between Guinea and Zimbabwe in Yaounde on Tuesday. Mukansanga created history after the previous 32 editions of the flagship African tournament from 1957 were refereed exclusively by men.

« We are super proud of Salima because she has had to work exceptionally hard to be where she is today, » said Confederation of African Football (CAF) referees’ boss Eddy Maillet from the Seychelles.

« We know that as a woman she had to overcome serious obstacles to reach this level and she deserves a lot of credit.

« This moment is not just for Salima, but every young girl in Africa who has passion for football and who sees herself as a referee in the future. »

Also, on 10 January 2022, Mukansanga made history by becoming the first woman to officiate a match in the Africa Cup of Nations 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.