HISTORIC DAY AT AFCON 2021: Salima Mukansanga, a female first!
We know the AFCON doesn’t get as much global coverage as the World Cup and the Euros, but with the world shifting towards female empowerment and inclusivity, we know this would get suitable traction worldwide and as a woman myself, this is definitely worth mentioning.
Salima Mukansanga made history yesterday as she became the first woman to ever referee at the African Cup of Nations. The Rwandan referee was part of the Guniea-Malawi match crew. It is a very special piece of history as she officiated as the fourth official in the Group B game. The 33-year-old is already very experienced in the women’s game and highly respected too.
Guinea were 1-nil winners in this match, the game winner coming ten minutes before halftime when Liverpool’s Naby Keita would start a really fine team move, and a nice finish as well for Issiaga Sylla turning the ball into the back of the net. The 28-year-old, who plays his club footy in France, with a celebration to remember too.
Of the 63 match officials at this year’s AFCON tournament, four are women including Cameroon’s Carine Atemzabong, plus Morocco’s Fatiha Jermoumi and Bouchra Karboubi, none of whom will referee matches, unlike Mukansanga.
Mukansanga might be the first woman to officiate at AFCON, but she certainly won’t be the last.
Congratulations to her