Latest news with #WAFCON2024
CAF
12 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
A synergy of wit & bold calls: The Twin Referees at WAFCON 2024
Rwandan pride Aline Umutoni and Alice Umutesi flying high at WAFCON 2024 Former footballers now turning heads as referees Pair building legacy to inspire generations Football does more than meets the eye. The stories behind every whistle and call are steeped in beautiful tales that stick like glue, and age like fine wine. At the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, two women from Rwanda have not just stuck as a pair, they've added layers of allure and feel that is striking. Twins Aline Umutoni and Alice Umutesi are living the dream and mirror intentional synergy, strength and sisterhood. In the quiet valleys and green hills of Rwanda, where resilience echoes in every breath and every heartbeat tells a story of rebirth, these two sisters have risen. Theirs is a tale of storied grace, grit and glory. Their dominance, is not merely reflections of each other, but as beacons of hope. Aline and Alice are not just twins by birth, but twin flames in the world of African Football officiating, dominating a sport that few decades ago was a no-go-area for women. Their journey began on familiar fields, laced with childhood dreams and teenage tenacity. 'I remember when we were just in Germany with the national team,' Aline recalls, her voice a nostalgic brushstroke on the canvas of memory. What was once a playground became a proving ground; what started as a love for the game transformed into a deep vocation to interpret, protect, and elevate it. Their roles are distinct yet complementary, Aline, the central referee, presiding with poised authority; Alice, the assistant referee, scanning every inch of the pitch with an eagle eye and unwavering discipline. 'Yes, our styles are different,' Alice affirms. 'She's in the center. I'm on the flank. But we move with the same heart.' The two have always shared more than just DNA. Their journey into football officiating wasn't just a career choice, it was a reflection of their bond. 'Because we are real twins, if she likes something, I have to like it too. It's mandatory,' said Aline, with a laugh that punctuates their sibling dynamic. But sharing the same ambition also required compromise. Initially, both trained as central referees until their Coach Mbake offered them advice that would later prove useful. 'He told us, 'Alice, if you stay as a referee, and Aline also stays as a referee, it's as if you are competing,'' Alice recalled. 'So we decided Aline would stay as central referee, and I'd work as an assistant.' That decision wasn't just practical, it aligned with their personalities. 'I chose to be the central referee because I'm bossy. Secondly, I'm responsible. I like to make decisions,' said Aline. Alice quickly adds, 'But you're a little shy', to which Aline replied: 'I'm not shy on the pitch.' The pair add that given the nature of football, they've had to make room for critcism as that was the only way they could grow. 'Of course we criticize each other,' Alice admits 'That's how we grow. That's how we get better.' Aline agrees, unapologetically candid: 'We tell each other the truth. And when the truth brings change, we embrace it. Then life goes on.' '…If you work according to the law,' Alice says firmly, 'you stay strong and keep working. That's it.' 'Her mistakes are my mistakes,' said Alice. 'So if she makes mistakes, I have to criticize her to correct her next time. It's for our own good.' Aline nodded in agreement. The two carry Rwanda proudly on their shoulders, not as a cross to bear, but as a beautiful badge of honour. As the only set of twin referees in a major continental tournament in recent memory, they represent a profound national and symbolic significance. 'It's good when you represent your country,' said Aline. 'So we're very proud to represent Rwanda.' 'To represent your country as twins,' Alice says, 'is a pleasure. We are very, very proud.' And they've earned that pride. Aline's greatest moment? Standing tall at the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Morocco 2024, officiating a match between Botswana and Nigeria. 'So much was going on,' she reflects. 'But we managed. And I was very happy.' But behind the polished boots and sharp whistles is a story of transition and transformation. Before refereeing, they were players. And when their days with the ball at their feet began to fade, they chose not to walk away but to launch deeper into football – a love affair that is unwavering. 'In life, you must have a goal,' Aline explains. 'Ours was to stay in football. So we trained, we committed. And now, we are here.' 'At first, we just had the goal to work, to get far, to stay in the field of sport. That's why we worked a lot, we did a lot of training. And here we are today,' Alice re-echoed Aline's thoughts. Off the pitch, their personalities blossom in simpler expressions. On a good day, when the whistles are silent and the pressure momentarily subsides, their sense of fashion is evident; the pair love dresses, the flowing and elegant type that allows them to be as expressive as they can. 'From the top down,' Alice says, 'it's about what one wants to have. 'But there are times when I choose a dress, she says, no, I'm going to wear a jacket. No, I say no, Aline. Today, it's a dress.' In an age where representation matters more than ever, Aline and Alice stand as radiant symbols not just of women in sport, but of what happens when discipline dances with passion, when family fuels ambition, and when dreams, though born in quiet corners, echo across continents. Their unique pairing often means they are assigned to matches together, something both find comforting and empowering. 'That's the advantage for us,' Alice said. 'We play the same matches, we travel together.' To young girls who believe the field belongs only to men, Alice has this to say: 'Refereeing is not only for men. We are women, and we are here. You can earn a living. You can buy a house. You can help orphans. You can do everything. The field is yours. For us, refereeing is life.' As they take to the field over the course of the WAFCON and beyond, they represent the unique African woman's trait of tenacity and sheer determination. Rwandan Pride. Aline and Alice. Not for Self, But for Others – A Life of Service, Sacrifice and Higher Calling. Aline and Alice will officiate in the Algeria Vs. Ghana Quarter-Finals match on Saturday, 19 July at 16:00 GMT Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
CAF
16 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
A synergy of wits & bold calls: The Twin Referees at WAFCON 2024
Rwandan pride Aline and Alice Umutoni flying high at WAFCON 2024 Former footballers now turning heads as Referees Pair building legacy to inspire generations Football does more than meets the eye. The stories behind every whistle and call are steeped in beautiful tales that stick like glue, and age like fine wine. At the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, two women from Rwanda have not just stuck as a pair, they've added layers of allure and feel that is striking. Twins Aline and Alice Umutesi are living the dream and mirror intentional synergy, strength and sisterhood. In the quiet valleys and green hills of Rwanda, where resilience echoes in every breath and every heartbeat tells a story of rebirth, these two sisters have risen. Theirs is a tale of storied grace, grit and glory. Their dominance, is not merely reflections of each other, but as beacons of hope. Aline and Alice are not just twins by birth, but twin flames in the world of African football officiating, dominating a sport that few decades ago was a no-go-area for women. Their journey began on familiar fields, laced with childhood dreams and teenage tenacity. 'I remember when we were just in Germany with the national team,' Aline recalls, her voice a nostalgic brushstroke on the canvas of memory. What was once a playground became a proving ground; what started as a love for the game transformed into a deep vocation to interpret, protect, and elevate it. Their roles are distinct yet complementary, Aline, the central referee, presiding with poised authority; Alice, the assistant referee, scanning every inch of the pitch with an eagle eye and unwavering discipline. 'Yes, our styles are different,' Alice affirms. 'She's in the center. I'm on the flank. But we move with the same heart.' The two have always shared more than just DNA. Their journey into football officiating wasn't just a career choice, it was a reflection of their bond. 'Because we are real twins, if she likes something, I have to like it too. It's mandatory,' said Aline, with a laugh that punctuates their sibling dynamic. But sharing the same ambition also required compromise. Initially, both trained as central referees until their Coach Mbake offered them advice that would later prove useful. 'He told us, 'Alice, if you stay as a referee, and Aline also stays as a referee, it's as if you are competing,'' Alice recalled. 'So we decided Aline would stay as central referee, and I'd work as an assistant.' That decision wasn't just practical, it aligned with their personalities. 'I chose to be the central referee because I'm bossy. Secondly, I'm responsible. I like to make decisions,' said Aline. Alice quickly adds, 'But you're a little shy', to which Aline replied: 'I'm not shy on the pitch.' The pair add that given the nature of football, they've had to make room for critcism as that was the only way they could grow. 'Of course we criticize each other,' Alice admits 'That's how we grow. That's how we get better.' Aline agrees, unapologetically candid: 'We tell each other the truth. And when the truth brings change, we embrace it. Then life goes on.' '…If you work according to the law,' Alice says firmly, 'you stay strong and keep working. That's it.' 'Her mistakes are my mistakes,' said Alice. 'So if she makes mistakes, I have to criticize her to correct her next time. It's for our own good.' Aline nodded in agreement. The two carry Rwanda proudly on their shoulders, not as a cross to bear, but as a beautiful badge of honour. As the only set of twin referees in a major continental tournament in recent memory, they represent a profound national and symbolic significance. 'It's good when you represent your country,' said Aline. 'So we're very proud to represent Rwanda.' 'To represent your country as twins,' Alice says, 'is a pleasure. We are very, very proud.' And they've earned that pride. Aline's greatest moment? Standing tall at the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Morocco 2024, officiating a match between Botswana and Nigeria. 'There were so many actions,' she reflects. 'But we managed. And I was very happy.' But behind the polished boots and sharp whistles is a story of transition and transformation. Before refereeing, they were players. And when their days with the ball at their feet began to fade, they chose not to walk away but to launch deeper into football – a love affair that is unwavering. 'In life, you must have a goal,' Aline explains. 'Ours was to stay in football. So we trained, we committed. And now, we are here.' 'At first, we just had the goal to work, to get far, to stay in the field of sport. That's why we worked a lot, we did a lot of training. And here we are today,' Alice re-echoed Aline's thoughts. Off the pitch, their personalities blossom in simpler expressions. On a good day, when the whistles are silent and the pressure momentarily subsides, their sense of fashion is evident; the pair love dresses, the flowing and elegant type that allows them to be as expressive as they can. 'From the top down,' Alice says, 'it's about what one wants to have. 'But there are times when I choose a dress, she says, no, I'm going to wear a jacket. No, I say no, Aline. Today, it's a dress.' In an age where representation matters more than ever, Aline and Alice stand as radiant symbols not just of women in sport, but of what happens when discipline dances with passion, when family fuels ambition, and when dreams, though born in quiet corners, echo across continents. Their unique pairing often means they are assigned to matches together, something both find comforting and empowering. 'That's the advantage for us,' Alice said. 'We play the same matches, we travel together.' To young girls who believe the field belongs only to men, Alice has this to say: 'Refereeing is not only for men. We are women, and we are here. You can earn a living. You can buy a house. You can help orphans. You can do everything. The field is yours. For us, Refereeing is life.' As they take to the field over the course of the WAFCON and beyond, they represent the unique African woman's trait of tenacity and sheer determination. Rwandan Pride. Aline and Alice. Not for Self, But for Others – A Life of Service, Sacrifice and Higher Calling. Aline and Alice will officiate in the Algeria Vs. Ghana Quarter-Finals match on Saturday, 19 July at 16:00 GMT Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Nigeria vs Zambia LIVE streaming info, WAFCON 2024 quarterfinal: When and where to watch around the world?
Nigeria will clash against Zambia in a Women's African Cup of Nations 2024 quarterfinal match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on Friday. When and where will the Nigeria vs Zambia WAFCON 2024 quarterfinal start? The Nigeria vs Zambia WAFCON 2024 quarterfinal will start at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Friday, July 18, at 5 PM local time (9:30 PM IST). Where to watch the match in Africa? Where to watch the match outside Africa?
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
WAFCON 2024: DR Congo, Tunisia, Tanzania, Botswana Bow Out with Grit and Glory
As the 2024 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) enters the quarterfinal stage, four teams—DR Congo, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Botswana—exit the competition, but not without leaving a lasting impression through memorable performances and unwavering determination. Botswana's Comeback Falls Just Short Despite a spirited 2-1 comeback win against Tunisia, Botswana's journey ended heartbreakingly on July 14 in Casablanca. With hopes of a quarterfinal spot still alive, the Mares watched their fate slip away after Ghana's commanding 4-1 victory over Tanzania secured the final qualification ticket. Botswana had fallen behind 1-0 at halftime but rallied with resilience and unity to turn the game around. Though their elimination stung, the team departed with heads held high, having showcased immense character. Flavine Mawete's Moment of Brilliance In front of 21,000 Moroccan fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Flavine Mawete delivered one of the tournament's most iconic moments. Facing a sea of red and green support for the host nation, the DR Congo winger held her nerve and unleashed a stunning left-footed strike to equalize against Morocco, momentarily silencing the crowd. The 25-year-old's goal stood out not just as a technical feat, but as a symbol of defiance and belief, earning her a place in the hearts of fans and in the annals of the tournament. Tanzania Push Defending Champions to the Brink The Twiga Stars nearly caused a major upset against reigning champions South Africa. Opa Clement gave Tanzania a deserved lead in the 24th minute, capitalizing on their disciplined defensive shape and the industrious midfield work of Diana Msewa. South Africa struggled to break through until the 70th minute when Bambanani Mbane salvaged a 1-1 draw with a powerful strike from a poorly cleared corner. The result felt like a moral victory for Tanzania, who proved their mettle against elite opposition. Tunisian Fans Bring Home Atmosphere to Morocco Tunisia may not have advanced, but their supporters were among the loudest of the tournament. Over 1,700 kilometers from Tunis, the stands at Stade Père Jégo in Casablanca echoed with chants, flags, and unrelenting support for the Carthage Eagles. 'We felt their energy from the warm-up,' said captain Chaima Abbassi after their final match. 'It gave us a tremendous boost.' The fans' passion turned every Tunisian fixture into a home-like atmosphere, further fueling their players' performances. A Brave Exit, A Promising Future Though their WAFCON 2024 campaigns have ended, the efforts of DR Congo, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Botswana have enriched the tournament. Each side exits with pride, having fought valiantly and inspired many with their heart, passion, and progress.
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Björkegren hails Black Queens for fighting spirit
Published: Monday, 14 July 2025 Ghana controlled their destiny in a solid performance that saw them find the back of the net an impressive four times to make light work of Tanzania in a do or die matchup that ensured they booked a place to the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 in Morocco. A standout 18 shots at goal, nine on target and four goals saw Kim Lars Björkegren's side dance, ululate and hi-five each other at the full-time whistle in Berkane on Monday night. The Black Queens, who felt that they dominated both their games against Ghana and Mali statistically despite amassing a point from a possible six in Group C, finally smelt the coffee. Their resilience, physicality and camaraderie were exceptional on the day. 'I am just really proud of the girls. Today, we followed the game plan a little bit more. I always believed that we would win this game and make it to the quarterfinals. I understand the impact of the result. It is the knockout stages, and we continue to take it one game at a time,' Björkegren said after the 4-1 win against Tanzania. 'Ghana missed the knockout stages the last time that they played [in 2018 at home] and we have now made it past the group stages. The result is very important to us. We shall take it all in now because the players deserve this. They showed that they can stay true to our style and win.' Teamwork rules A team that works together, stays together. Throughout their two games that not only tested their character and self-belief, the Black Queens fought for each other. No single time did a player attack another for a misplaced pass or a tackle that led to a goal or a warning or booking from the referee. They stood together in good and in bad. It is this spirit that had Björkegren in high spirits at the halftime break when the score stood at 1-1 because he anticipated that his side would raise the tempo when the second half began. Star player Evelyn Badu, who started the first two games, came off the bench after Princella Abudea and Princess Marfo were given the nod to start ahead of her. Her body language when she ran onto the pitch visibly showed that she was there to build on what the duo had done thus far. And it is that sisterhood that displayed the understanding of the objective for the team and the importance of the eventual result. The suspended Doris Boaduwaa was on her feet the entire game in the stands supporting her teammates and almost lost her voice. In the end what mattered was the qualification. 'We played as a team and this has been important for us on and off the pitch,' Björkegren said as a tribute to his team who will face Algeria in the WAFCON 2024 quarterfinals on July 19 at 5pm (local time) at the Berkane Stadium in the Oriental Province of Morocco.
