The Confederation of African Football has lifted the veil on the refereeing body responsible for the round of 16 between Tunisia and Mali. A designation marked by a strong South African presence, both on the ground and in video assistance.
The Confederation of African Football has formalized the list of referees called to officiate during the clash of the round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations between the Tunisian selection and its Malian counterpart.
The direction of the match has been entrusted to South African referee Tom Abongile, who will be assisted on the lines by his compatriot Siwela Zakhele and the Lesothian Phatsoane Souru. A quartet completed by the Mauritian Ahmad Imtehaz Heeralall, appointed as fourth referee.
A VAR on international orders
Video assistance will be provided by a duo from southern Africa. Zimbabwean Chimene Brighton was selected as the main VAR referee, supported by Zambian Diana Chikitesha.
This designation comes at the approach of a high-stakes match, contested within the framework of direct elimination matches, where the slightest refereeing decision can weigh heavily in the outcome of the qualification.
A decisive meeting in Casablanca
Tunisia and Mali will cross swords at the Mohamed V stadium in Casablanca for a place in the quarter-finals of CAN 2025. A highly anticipated duel between two selections accustomed to continental games, in a context of maximum pressure.
