Africa’s First Female AFCON Referee, Salima Mukansanga, Announces Retirement

Salima Mukansanga, the first female referee to officiate at an African Cup of Nations (AFCON) match, has announced her retirement from football refereeing.

Mukansanga, 36, was born in Rwanda and began her journey as a FIFA-listed referee in 2012. She made history in 2022 when she became the first woman to officiate at an AFCON game during the tournament held in Cameroon. She led an all-female officiating team that included Fatiha Jermoumi (Morocco), Carine Atemzabong (Cameroon), and Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco), who served as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Salima announced her retirement on Tuesday morning in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Over her career, Mukansanga officiated in several prestigious tournaments, including the Olympic Games, FIFA Women’s World Cup, Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, and the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Her achievements have paved the way for more women in football officiating, and her contributions to the game will be remembered across Africa and beyond.