The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to revolutionize the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations by introducing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology across all 52 matches for the first time. This groundbreaking decision marks a significant milestone in the tournament’s history, starting with the opening match on January 9, 2022, featuring Cameroon versus Burkina Faso at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé. The final is scheduled for February 6, 2022.
Enhancing Refereeing Standards
CAF aims to elevate the quality of officiating by integrating VAR, a move that began with the quarterfinals of the 2019 edition in Egypt. This technology is not only intended to improve decision-making accuracy but also to foster the development of world-class match officials across the continent. By adopting VAR, CAF seeks to ensure fair play and enhance the overall viewing experience for fans.
Key Officials for the Tournament
A diverse group of top-tier officials, including female referees Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda), Carine Atezambong (Cameroon), and Fatiha Jermoumi (Morocco) alongside Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco), will oversee the 2021 matches. The roster comprises 24 referees, 31 assistant referees, and eight video assistant referees from 36 countries. Additionally, two referees from CONCACAF join the team as part of an inter-confederation skills exchange program, bringing global expertise to the event.
Historical Context and Future Goals
Since its debut in Egypt 2019, CAF has progressively advanced its use of VAR, with plans to extend its application beyond the current tournament. This initiative underscores CAF’s commitment to modernizing African football and producing highly skilled officials capable of meeting international standards.
