Four high-profile referees retire ahead of 2023 Africa Nations Cup
By Biwah Bryan
As the 2023 African Nations Cup approaches, some of Africa’s most celebrated referees will not be among the 68 referees selected by the Confederation of African Football due to their retirement.
Gambia’s Bakary Gassama, who famously officiated the Cameroon match which qualified them for the 2022 World Cup and also officiated in two World Cup editions and the 2014 AFCON finals, retired in December 2023, just days before the competition.
Cameroonian Sidi Alioum, who officiated in two World Cups and the Afcon 2019 finals, also retired in December 2023, while South African Victor Gomes, who officiated in the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Afcon finals, also retired in December 2022.
Janny Sikazwe, who is highly recognized for the Mali-Tunisia Afcon game and officiated in two World Cups and the Afcon 2017 finals, retired in December 2022.
The competition will feature 68 referees in three different categories, including 30 as Assistant Referees, 26 as Central Referees and 12 as Video Assistant Referees.
