South African referee Akhona Makalima has been appointed to take charge of today’s TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 encounter between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
Makalima’s appointment places her at the centre of an important West African contest as both teams look to make their mark on the continental stage.
The experienced South African official is expected to oversee proceedings at a crucial point in the tournament, with her decisions likely to play an important role in maintaining discipline and ensuring the match is conducted according to the laws of the game.
Makalima is one of the prominent referees from the southern African region and has built considerable experience officiating high-level women’s football.
Her selection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reflects the confidence placed in her ability to handle matches involving strong African sides.
The Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana fixture carries particular significance given the long-standing football rivalry between the two West African nations. Matches between the countries are traditionally competitive, with little separating the sides when they meet.
For Makalima, the assignment will require concentration and consistency, particularly in managing challenges, disciplinary situations and potentially decisive moments inside both penalty areas.
CAF’s decision to entrust the match to a referee of Makalima’s experience is also part of the governing body’s continued effort to strengthen officiating standards at its major women’s competitions.
As Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana prepare for battle, attention will not only be on the players seeking to deliver a crucial result but also on Makalima and her officiating team as they work to ensure a fair and professionally managed contest.
The match is therefore expected to provide another significant test for both the teams and the officials as the WAFCON Morocco 2026 tournament continues to produce high-quality African women’s football.
