In a significant announcement by the Confederation of African Football CAF, Tunisian referee Dorsaf Ganouati has been selected to officiate the eagerly awaited match between South Africa’s Banyana Banyana and Nigeria’s Super Falcons. This game is a crucial part of the final round of qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games. The match is set to unfold at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria this Wednesday, with Ganouati at the helm of the officiating team.
Ganouati will be joined on the pitch by fellow Tunisians Houda Afine and Emna Ajbouni, taking up roles as the first assistant and fourth officials, respectively. The team is further strengthened by Yara Atef Saïd Abdelfattah from Egypt, who will serve as the second assistant referee.
The officiating team’s expertise is complemented by Cameroon’s Agar Mezing, who will act as the referee assessor, and Cindy Dludlu from Eswatini, appointed as the match commissioner.
The Super Falcons are entering this match with a lead, having secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Olympic Qualification match, thanks to a goal by Rasheedat Ajibade. They are now set to face Banyana Banyana in South Africa for the second leg, aiming to maintain their advantage.
Editorial
As we look forward to the upcoming clash between the Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana, it’s clear that this is more than just a game it’s a showcase of African football’s growing stature on the global stage. The appointment of Dorsaf Ganouati, a Tunisian referee, to lead this crucial Olympic qualifier is a testament to the continent’s commitment to excellence in sports officiating. It also highlights the increasing recognition of women in roles traditionally dominated by men, a significant step forward in the quest for gender equality in sports.
The selection of an all female officiating team, including assistants from Tunisia and Egypt, sends a powerful message about the capabilities and professionalism of women in football. This move by CAF not only elevates the match but also sets a precedent for future international fixtures.
The Super Falcons’ narrow victory in the first leg has set the stage for a thrilling second leg in Pretoria. With both teams vying for a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This match is not just about the scoreline it’s about national pride, the spirit of competition, and the dreams of athletes aiming for Olympic glory.
As we rally behind our teams, let’s also celebrate the progress made in promoting gender equality in sports. The presence of women in key roles in this qualifier is a victory in itself, reflecting the changing dynamics of football. This match is a beacon of hope and inspiration, showing that with talent, determination, and the right opportunities, women can excel in any field, including sports officiating.
Did You Know?
- Dorsaf Ganouati made history as the first woman to officiate a men’s professional football match in Tunisia.
- The Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, where the second leg is scheduled, has hosted numerous significant international sports events, including matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
- Rasheedat Ajibade, who scored the winning goal in the first leg, plays her club football for Atletico Madrid Femenino in Spain.
- The Olympic women’s football tournament was first introduced in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, with the USA winning the inaugural gold medal.
- South Africa’s Banyana Banyana and Nigeria’s Super Falcons are considered powerhouses in African women’s football, having won multiple championships and awards between them.
