Simple rotation or real disciplinary sanction? The Confederation of African Football (CAF) surprised more than one observer by not renewing any of the referees who officiated during the quarter-finals for the semi-finals of the CAN 2025.
The Senegalese referee Issa Sy, who directed the Nigeria-Algeria match (2-0), is logically not among the designations. A predictable absence, his country still being in the running in the competition. It was unthinkable to see him named for the Senegal-Egypt clash, and his presence on the other Nigeria-Morocco poster would also have sparked controversy, to the extent that the winner could find the Lions of Teranga in the final.
Same fate for the Mauritanian Beida, much criticized after his performance during Morocco-Cameroon (2-0). The controversial decisions taken during this meeting visibly weighed in the balance. The South African Victor Gomes Tom, referee of the Mali-Senegal quarter (0-1), will not be on the whistle in the semi-final either, but remains involved as VAR referee for the Nigeria/Morocco poster.
The Algerian Mustapha Ghorbal, considered one of the best referees on the continent, is also not among those elected. He officiated during the Egypt/Ivory Coast match (3-2). Despite its reputation, the controversies that arose after the elimination of Algeria seem to have prompted CAF to exercise caution in opting for referees from other federations.
For the semi-finals, CAF finally chose Gabonese Pierre Atcho for the Senegal-Egypt duel, while Ghanaian Daniel Laryea will lead Nigeria-Morocco. An appointment which is somewhat surprising, since the latter has only refereed one match since the start of the tournament, in the group stage, during the Algeria–Burkina Faso match (1-0). Designations which are already fueling debates, as the competition enters its decisive phase.
Auteur: Babacar SENE
Published on: Wednesday January 14, 2026
