In an exciting development for the African football landscape, Abdou Abdel Mefire from Cameroon has been appointed as the referee for the highly anticipated TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 Final. This monumental clash between Morocco and Madagascar will unfold at the MOI International Sports Centre in Na irobi, Kenya, on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
At a youthful age of 29, Mefire stands out as the youngest referee at this year’s CHAN, underscoring his rapid ascent within the officiating ranks and marking him as one of the continent’s brightest prospects.
His meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed on the international stage, with FIFA selecting him for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year. Since embarking on his international officiating career in 2019, Mefire has cultivated a reputation characterized by calm authority, astute decision-making, and an unwavering consistency under the weight of pressure.
His exemplary performances in key cities such as Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam during the tournament garnered acclaim, ultimately leading to his selection for this prestigious final.
Kenya Referee Nyagrowa Dickens Mimisa, 4th official for CHAN2024 finals
A Great Honour and a Responsibility
Expressing his deep sense of pride following his appointment, Mefire described officiating this significant match as both an honour and a profound responsibility.
“Being appointed as the referee for this final is a great honour and a source of pride, especially given the scale of the event,” he remarked with evident enthusiasm. Despite acknowledging the immense expectations tied to such a role, he reassured fans of his readiness to meet the challenge head-on.
“The pressure is indeed palpable, and it’s natural to feel this kind of intensity at the culmination of a major competition. When bestowed with the responsibility of officiating a final, it represents a significant vote of confidence. You hold the key to ensure that the event concludes successfully,” he explained passionately. “We simply cannot present a negative image of the tournament. If God is willing, we will approach this task with professionalism. It is truly a privilege to be entrusted with this monumental responsibility.”
Team of Elite Officials
Mefire will be supported by a distinguished team of experienced officials drawn from across the continent. Assistant Referee 1, Robleh Dirir Eleyeh from Djibouti, brings sharp flag work and invaluable experience from major continental qualifiers. Joining him, Liberia’s Joel Wonka Doe as Assistant Referee 2 is renowned for his composure and precision in offside calls, ensuring accurate judgments during critical moments. Adding a touch of local pride to the occasion, Kenyan referee Dickens Mimisa Nyagrowa will serve as the Fourth Official.
In the VAR booth, the esteemed Mauritania’s Dahane Beida, one of Africa’s most trusted video match officials, will oversee technology support with an experienced hand. He will be ably assisted by Gabon’s Pierre Ghislain Atcho (AVAR 1) and Kenya’s Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe (AVAR 2), both recognized for their remarkable handling of pivotal tournament fixtures. Completing the officiating lineup is Gabon’s B Amos Abeigne Ndong, named as Reserve Assistant Referee.
Addressing the growth of African refereeing, Mefire articulated, “As African referees, we face the challenge of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other continents, so it is imperative that we set the bar high to meet global standards. To young referees, my message is simple yet profound: hard work is the cornerstone of success. Everyone has an opportunity; it’s up to you to seize it.”
CHAN2024 Finals: Video Assistant Referee: Dahane Beida
A Part of a New Generation of African Referees
Recognized widely as one of the most promising young referees on the continent, Mefire’s track record in international assignments showcases his tactical awareness, composure, and adept game management. His appointment is a testament to CAF’s commitment to developing referees who are poised to compete alongside the best worldwide.
“When it comes to officiating standards, African referees face the daunting challenge of competing with other continents,” Mefire emphasized. “That’s why it’s crucial for us to elevate our performance to match our global counterparts. My advice to younger colleagues is straightforward: hard work forms the foundation of opportunity. Everyone has the chance to excel; it’s simply up to you to make the most of it.”
A Team of Experienced Officials
Mefire will lead a proficient officiating team, a blend of youth, experience, and expertise, which perfectly aligns with the significance of this historic tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The elite Video Assistant Referee (VAR) panel has also been appointed for this momentous match, enhancing the prospects for fair play and integrity.
A Stage Worthy of Africa’s Finest
The TotalEnergies CAF CHAN PAMOJA 2024 Final promises to be a dramatic showdown, featuring two contrasting narratives: the seasoned two-time champions Morocco in pursuit of their record third title versus the passionate debutants Madagascar, eager to capture their first continental trophy and complete a remarkable fairytale journey.
With such high stakes in play, CAF’s confidence in Mefire and his distinguished team underscores the pivotal role of officiating excellence in ensuring that Africa’s flagship tournament concludes with fairness and integrity, celebrating the spirit of the beautiful game.
Refereeing Team for TotalEnergies CAF CHAN PAMOJA 2024 Final
- Referee: Abdou Abdel MEFIRE (Cameroon)
- Assistant Referee 1: Robleh Dirir Eleyeh (Djibouti)
- Assistant Referee 2: Joel Wonka Doe (Liberia)
- Fourth Official: Dickens Mimisa Nyagrowa (Kenya)
- Video Assistant Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
- AVAR 1: Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)
- AVAR 2: Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe (Kenya)
- Reserve Assistant Referee: B Amos Abeigne Ndong (Gabon)
News Source: CAF Online
