Swazi Observer

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LETICIA TO OFFICIATE IN 2025 CHAN COMPETITION

By MELUSI MLOTSA | 2025-01-04

SOCCER – Renowned local FIFA-accredited referee Leticia Vienna continues to shine on the international stage, earning a prestigious appointment to officiate as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the final list of selected referees, assistant referees, and VAR officials on Thursday for the upcoming tournament, which will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

Vienna, an experienced and accomplished referee, was also named among the officials for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League, further cementing her reputation in international football.

Eswatini Referees Association (ERA) Secretary General Mbongeni Shongwe confirmed awareness of Vienna’s appointment but noted that official correspondence had not yet been received.

“Yes, I saw the announcement about her CHAN assignment, but we are still waiting for the official confirmation,” he said.

The CHAN officiating team comprises 25 center referees, 22 assistant referees, and 16 VAR officials. Leticia Vienna joins a distinguished group of VAR officials, including Karobe Vincent, Abou Coulibaly, Brahamou Sadou, Baukhalfa Nabal, Hamza Fariq, Haggag Ibrahim, Badi Luxolo, Ngakosso Chancelle, Nguine Pierre, Brighton Chimene, Abdalaziz Ahmed, Dintwa Keabetswe, Twagimurukiza Abdoul, Sarr Ababacar, and Dion Moussa.

CAF has assigned five instructors from its referees committee to oversee the screening process for the tournament. These instructors include Adjovi Alain, Mohammed Guezzaz, Janny Sikazwe, Avarist Menkouande, Mohammed Ali, and Bokukaker Hannachi.

This year’s CHAN finals will feature 18 teams, including Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Nigeria, Angola, Madagascar, Zambia, DR Congo, Congo, Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, and Morocco.

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