26-year-old Rwandan referee Samuel Uwikunda has been handed the prestigious task of officiating the highly anticipated first-leg semifinal clash between Zamalek SC of Egypt and Ghana’s Dreams FC in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Uwikunda’s rapid ascent in the world of refereeing has been nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by his stellar performances in prestigious tournaments such as the 2023 CHAN in Algeria and the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. Recognized as one of East Africa’s brightest young talents in refereeing, Uwikunda is poised to showcase his skills on the grand stage once again.
Assisting Uwikunda in maintaining order on the pitch will be a seasoned team of officials, including Ivanildo Meirelles de Oliveira Sanches Meirelles De O Sanche Lopes from Angola, Modibo Samake, and Boubou Traore from Mali, ensuring that the match adheres to the highest standards of officiating excellence.
Behind the scenes, a cadre of experienced officials will handle crucial administrative duties, with Omar Jummah Abdulsayid Abdulsadiq from Libya appointed as Match Commissioner and Aboubacar Doumbouya from Guinea serving as Referee Assessor. Joshua Robert Knipp, Oussama Ouardirhi, Akhona Zennith Makalima, and Abongile Tom will also play pivotal roles in ensuring the smooth operation of the encounter.
The eagerly awaited showdown is scheduled to take place at the iconic Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, April 21, 2024, with kickoff set for 18:00. As Zamalek and Dreams FC vie for a coveted spot in the Confederation Cup final, all eyes will be on Uwikunda and his team to uphold the integrity and spirit of the game.
