The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has appointed seven Malawian match officials for the November 2026 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2027 qualifiers and the Caf Women’s Champions League. This development is a significant milestone for Malawian referees, showcasing their progress and potential to officiate high-profile matches on the continent. The appointments reflect the growing recognition of Malawian match officials in African football.
Four Malawian officials will handle the Afcon qualifier between Eritrea and Guinea on November 16 at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. Fifa grade one referee Godfrey Nkhakananga has been appointed centre referee for the match, with Tembo Pondamali and Samuel Fudzulani serving as first and second assistant referee, respectively. Easter Kalikokha Zimba will be the fourth official for the encounter, ensuring a robust officiating team for the match.
In addition to the Afcon qualifiers, Michael Laston Makoto has been appointed referee assessor for the qualifier match between Zambia and Burkina Faso at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, on November 15. Bernadettar Kwimbira will also serve as referee assessor for the match between Kenya and South Africa at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on November 17. These appointments demonstrate the trust Caf has in Malawian referees to oversee critical matches.
Malawian female referee Eness Gumbo has been selected as Video Assistant Referee (Var) for the Caf Women’s Champions League, which will run from November 1 to 15 in Egypt. She is among 30 referees appointed for the continental competition, highlighting the growing involvement of Malawian officials in women's football. Gumbo's appointment is a significant achievement for Malawian female referees.
The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Referees Manager Duncan Lengani expressed satisfaction with the appointments, citing progress made by Malawian match officials. He emphasized Fam's commitment to supporting the development of match officials as part of its efforts to improve refereeing standards and increase Malawi’s representation in international football competitions. This support is crucial for the continued growth of Malawian referees.
The Caf Women’s Champions League will feature top women's clubs from across Africa, and the presence of Malawian referees underscores their readiness to officiate at a high level. With these appointments, Malawian referees are poised to make a significant impact on the continental stage. The experience gained from these matches will be invaluable for their future development.
The appointments of Malawian referees for the Afcon qualifiers and the Caf Women’s Champions League are a testament to their hard work and dedication. As Malawi continues to invest in the development of its match officials, it is likely that more will be appointed for future international competitions. This trend bodes well for the future of Malawian football.
Key points
- Caf has appointed seven Malawian match officials for the Afcon 2027 qualifiers and the Caf Women’s Champions League.
- Malawian referee Eness Gumbo has been selected as Var for the Caf Women’s Champions League.
- The appointments reflect the progress made by Malawian match officials in African football.
