Cameroon’s Abdou Abdel Mefire has been appointed as the referee for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 final between Morocco and Madagascar. The match will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi.
At just 29 years old, Mefire is the youngest referee at this year’s tournament, a sign of his fast rise as one of Africa’s most promising match officials. His performances in Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam during the competition earned him the prestigious assignment.
Mefire, who began officiating at the international level in 2019, has built a reputation for calm authority, consistency, and sharp decision-making under pressure. His rising profile has already been recognised globally, with FIFA naming him among the officials for the upcoming U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Speaking after his appointment, Mefire expressed pride at being trusted with one of the continent’s biggest football fixtures.
“Being appointed as the referee for this final is a great honour and a source of pride, especially given the scale of the event,” he said.
He acknowledged the weight of expectation but said he and his team are ready. “A final comes with pressure, but that pressure is also a sign of trust. We must ensure the competition ends on a good note, leaving a positive image for Africa and the world. God willing, my team and I will give our very best.”
Mefire will be supported by a team of experienced referees from across the continent. Djibouti’s Robleh Dirir Eleyeh will serve as Assistant Referee 1, while Liberia’s Joel Wonka Doe will act as Assistant Referee 2. Kenyan referee Dickens Mimisa Nyagrowa has been named Fourth Official.
In the VAR booth, Mauritania’s Dahane Beida will lead the video review team, assisted by Gabon’s Pierre Ghislain Atcho and Kenya’s Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe. Gabon’s B. Amos Abeigne Ndong has been appointed as Reserve Assistant Referee.
Reflecting on his journey, Mefire said African referees must set high standards to match their peers across the world.
“We African referees face the challenge of competing with other continents, so we must set the bar high to match world standards. To young referees, my message is simple: the key word is hard work. Everyone has a chance—it’s up to you to seize it.”
The CHAN final at Kasarani will pit two-time winners Morocco against first-time finalists Madagascar. Morocco will be chasing a record third title, while Madagascar will be hoping to crown their fairytale run with a historic victory.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
