July 20, (THEWILL) – Three African match officials are set to make history on Friday, as they oversee the Women’s World Cup clash between Philippines and Switzerland in New Zealand.
Leading the team is 41-year-old referee, Vincentia Amedome from Togo, who has been selected to take charge of the contest at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Her remarkable journey in football officiating has been marked by significant achievements. She made history as the second woman to officiate a match at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria last year, following in the footsteps of Ethiopian trailblazer Lydia Tafesse. Moreover, her appointment as a referee at the continent’s biennial men’s football tournament marked her as the first Togolese to earn such an honour.
In 2022, Amedome’s career reached new heights as she officiated at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, and the CAF Women’s Champions League final. Alongside Amedome, assistant referees Carine Fomo from Cameroon and Fanta Kone from Mali also make history as the first women from their nations to feature at the Women’s World Cup. Their trailblazing appointments serve as a testament to the progress of Africa’s female refereeing talent on the global stage.
With their extensive experience at major tournaments, Amedome, Fomo, and Kone have undoubtedly earned the opportunity to demonstrate their skills before a worldwide audience. Beyond the football field, their presence at the pinnacle of the women’s game carries a deeper significance.
While their Nigerian counterparts will be challenged to pursue such heights, the trio’s historic achievements stand as an inspiration to future generations of female referees across Africa, encouraging young talents to pursue their dreams and break barriers in the world of football officiating.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
