CAF lists three female referees for men’s U-17 Nations Cup

History is set to be made in the continent as three female referees have been listed to officiate at the 2019 men’s U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) billed to hold in Tanzania.

Tanzania’s Jonesia Rukyaa Kabakana, Kenya’s Mary Wanjiru Njoroge and Lidwine Rakotozafinoro from Madagascar were among the 29-match officials listed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the tournament.

“The historic decision is a testament to CAF’s commitment to developing the women’s football,” the continental football house said in a statement on its official website.

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“It will also give women match officials a bigger platform to expose their talents and also gain experience at the competitive level considering the limited matches and competitions which often affects their progress and development.”

The 29 referees will attend a training course in Morocco ahead of preparation for the tournament scheduled to hold from March 31 to April 4 2019.

During the course, 15 referees and 14 assistant referees from 25 countries will undergo a medical, physical and theoretical test for the 2019 U-17 AFCON final tournament scheduled for April 14 to 28 2019 in Tanzania.

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will compete in Group A along with hosts Tanzania, Angola and Uganda.

Guinea, Cameroon, Morocco and Senegal are in Group B.

Meanwhile, Basheer Salisu, a male, is the only Nigerian referee on the list for the competition.

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