Abdou Abdel Mefire of Cameroon has been appointed as the referee for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 Final between Morocco and Madagascar at the MOI International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi on Saturday, 30 August 2025.
At just 29 years old, Mefire is the youngest referee at this year’s CHAN, underlining his rapid rise as one of the most promising officials on the continent.
His steady rise through the refereeing ranks has already been recognised internationally, with FIFA confirming his selection for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Mefire, who has officiated on the international stage since 2019, has built a reputation for calm authority, sharp decision-making, and consistency under pressure.
His performances in Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam during the tournament have been recognized which resulted in him being named for the CHAN Final.
“A great honour and a responsibility”
Speaking after his appointment, Mefire expressed his pride at being entrusted with the responsibility of refereeing one of Africa’s most prestigious matches.
“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 said.
Mefire acknowledged the weight of expectation that comes with such an appointment but stressed his readiness for the challenge: “The pressure is there, and it’s normal to feel this kind of pressure at the end of a major competition. “When you are given the responsibility of a final, it is a sign of trust. You have the key to close the door, meaning you must ensure the competition ends on a good note.
“We can’t leave a negative image of the tournament. God willing, we’ll handle it professionally. It is a great honour and a source of pride to be trusted with this responsibility.
“A final comes with pressure, but that pressure is also a sign of trust. We must ensure the competition ends on a good note, leaving a positive image for Africa and the world. God willing, my team and I will give our very best.”
Team of Elite Officials
Mefire will be supported by a team of experienced assistants. Djibouti’s Robleh Dirir Eleyeh will serve as Assistant Referee 1, bringing sharp flag work and experience in major continental qualifiers.
Liberia’s Joel Wonka Doe joins as Assistant Referee 2, recognised for his composure and accuracy in offside calls. Kenyan referee Dickens Mimisa Nyagrowa will act as Fourth Official, adding local pride to the occasion.
In the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth, Mauritania’s Dahane Beida, one of Africa’s most trusted video match officials, will oversee technology support.
He will be assisted by Gabon’s Pierre Ghislain Atcho (AVAR 1) and Kenya’s Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe (AVAR 2), both of whom have impressed with their handling of key tournament fixtures. Gabon’s B Amos Abeigne Ndong has been named Reserve Assistant Referee.
Speaking about the growth of African refereeing, Mefire added: “We African referees face the challenge of competing with other continents, so we must set the bar high to match world standards. To young referees, my message is simple: the key word is hard work. Everyone has a chance—it’s up to you to seize it.”
Part of a new generation of African referees
Widely regarded as one of the most promising young referees on the continent, Mefire has already impressed in multiple international assignments with his tactical awareness, composure, and game management.
His appointment reflects CAF’s investment in developing referees who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.
“When it comes to standards, African referees face the heavy challenge of competing with other continents,” Mefire explained.
“That’s why we must set the bar high to be on par with the rest of the world. To my younger colleagues, my advice is simple: hard work is the key. Everyone has a chance, it’s up to you to seize it.”
A team of experienced assistants
Mefire will be supported by an experienced officiating team drawn from across the continent, with CAF’s elite Video Assistant Referee (VAR) panel also appointed for the big occasion.
Together, they represent a blend of youth, experience, and expertise – perfectly fitting for the climax of a historic tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
A stage worthy of Africa’s finest
The TotalEnergies CAF CHAN PAMOJA 2024 Final pits two contrasting stories against each other: two-time champions Morocco chasing a record third title and debutants Madagascar looking to crown a fairytale run with their first continental trophy.
With such high stakes, CAF’s confidence in Mefire and his team underlines the importance of refereeing excellence in ensuring that Africa’s showpiece tournament concludes in the spirit of fairness and integrity.
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)
Reserve Assistant Referee: Amos Abeigne Ndong (Gabon)
Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
Assistant VAR 1: Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)
Assistant VAR 2: Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe (Kenya)
Source:Cafonline
