Rwandan referee Salma Mukansanga made history in Qatar after she became the first African woman to officiate a men’s World Cup in France 4-1 triumph over Australia in the Group D opener on Tuesday, November 22, at Al Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, in Qatar.
The popular Mukansaga, 34, was the fourth official assisting South Africa’s Victor Gomes, the centre referee, Zakhele Siwela and Lothian Souru Phatsoane.
Mukansanga is among three female referees selected for the first time for a men’s FIFA World Cup alongside Japanese Yamashita Yoshimi and French Stephanie Frappart.
Mukansanga made history at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations when she was appointed as the center Referee for the game involving Zimbabwe and Guinea.
“I’m excited, and this is a privilege for me. I had never dreamed to go to the men’s World Cup,” Mukansanga told FIFA.com after her appointment.
“The first time I was nominated for World Cup was in France for the 2019 Women’s World Cup, so my next target was more at the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand in 2023.
“Being appointed to the Men’s World Cup is something new, another opportunity we get. It means FIFA recognises that women are working hard, that we are providing quality refereeing and that we can deliver and reach higher, up to the top of the men’s game.”
Female referee Salima Mukansanga makes history
— Alie Bittar (@bittar32) November 23, 2022
Images of Rwanda's Salima Mukansanga, who was the 4th referee in France's 4-1 win over Australia on Tuesday.@FIFAWorldCup in Qatar @CAF_Media pic.twitter.com/MBd6f6yCIG
Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook, African Football News.
Related Articles
Koulibaly nets winner as Senegal progress to last 16
Senegal have qualified for the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The Lions or Teranga have finished as runners-up in Group A, behind Netherlands, having won games against hosts Qatar and now Ecuador in what was a tense but thrilling match. Senegal showed...
Chalobah pens new long-term Chelsea contract
Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah has signed a new long-term deal under Graham Potter that will keep him at Chelsea until at least 2028. Since the arrival of Potter, the 23-year-old has become a pivotal figure for the London club featuring in 12 out of the former...
Mauritius win protest to join Sierra Leone in Afcon qualifying group
The Mauritius senior national team have won their protest to join Sierra Leone and others in Group A of the African Cup of Nations 2023 qualifiers. The MFA says that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finally communicated its decision following the...
Bo Rangers suffer Champions League home defeat
Sierra Leone Champions Bo Rangers suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Algerian side CR Belouizdad in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Sunday at the Southern Arena. Rangers started well and capitalised in the...
Middlesbrough debut defeat for Alex Bangura
On Saturday, Sierra Leone International Alex Bnagura made his Middlesbrough debut in their 2-1 defeat against Blackburn Rovers at Edwood Park. The former Cambuur left-back started his first English Championship match for Middleborough but was not able to help his side...
Stage set for Cote d’Ivoire Cup of Nations 2023 final draw
All twenty-four nations set to know their group opponents on October 12 after the final draw in the Ivorian Capital of Abidjan. After the Indomitable Lions picked up their tickets to make it a 19th straight finals by thrashing Burundi 3-0 in Garoua to top Group C on...
Sierra Leone | Highlights - 