AFCON’s Young Whistle Sparks Debate On Africa’s Refereeing Future

At just 29 years old, Abdou Abdel Mefire made history as the youngest referee appointed at the Africa Cup of Nations, taking charge of the high-profile clash between Morocco and Mali.

His selection highlights CAF’s growing confidence in young officials and signals a shift toward nurturing refereeing talent early for the modern game.

The milestone has also reignited conversations in Ghana, where the GFA’s *Catch Them Young* programme continues to identify and develop referees from their teenage years.

With the right investment, mentorship and international exposure, Ghana could realistically present referees aged 16 to 18 at continental and even global stages in the future.

As football grows faster and more demanding, the emergence of young, well-trained referees like Mefire shows that age is no longer a barrier to excellence.

For Ghana and Africa at large, the message is clear: early development, structured pathways and trust in youth can redefine the future of officiating on the world’s biggest stages.

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