Kenyan referees handed AFCON 2025 Group D decider

Kenyan referees will once again be under the continental spotlight on Tuesday night when they take charge of a decisive Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group D clash between Benin and Senegal in Tangier, Morocco.

The match, scheduled for 10pm at the Stade Ibn Batouta, will be officiated by a strong East African team, with Rwanda’s Uwikunda Samuel serving as the centre referee.

Kenya’s Gilbert Cheruiyot and Stephen Yiembe have been named assistant referees, while Peter Waweru Kamaku will act as the reserve referee.

The Video Assistant Referee duties will be handled by Abongile Tom of South Africa, assisted by Chimene Brighton from Zimbabwe.

The appointment underlines Kenya’s growing presence in elite continental officiating, coming just days after Kamaku, Cheruiyot and Yiembe impressed while overseeing the entertaining Group A encounter between Angola and Zimbabwe, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The trio was praised for their firm control and decision-making in a high-tempo contest.

Tuesday’s assignment carries even greater weight, with Group D finely poised ahead of the final round of matches. Senegal and DR Congo sit joint top with four points each after two games, while Benin are close behind on three points. Botswana, yet to register a point, remains bottom of the group.

The Benin versus Senegal clash is particularly crucial, as a win for either side could secure qualification to the knockout stages, while Benin is also eyeing a possible best third-placed finish. At the same time, DR Congo will face Botswana in the other Group D fixture, with both matches kicking off simultaneously to preserve sporting integrity.

With qualification on the line and pressure mounting, all eyes will be on the officials to manage what promises to be a tense and high-stakes encounter.

For the Kenyan referees involved, it is another opportunity to demonstrate their quality on Africa’s biggest football stage.