Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal has been appointed to officiate the highly anticipated quarter-final clash between Egypt and Ivory Coast in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) refereeing committee made the announcement earlier today.
Ghorbal will be assisted by his compatriots Abbas Akram Zerhouni and Adel Abane, who will serve as assistant referees for the crucial encounter. The all-Algerian refereeing team underscores CAF’s confidence in the country’s officials.
Adding further to the Algerian presence, Lahoulou Benbraham has been selected as part of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team. This ensures comprehensive coverage and support for the on-field decisions, aiming to maintain fairness and accuracy throughout the match.
The Egypt-Ivory Coast match is set to be the final quarter-final game of the tournament, taking place on Saturday evening. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM local time. Football fans across the continent are eagerly anticipating a thrilling and competitive match between these two powerhouses of African football. Egypt, known for their record number of AFCON titles, will face a stern test against the Elephants of Ivory Coast.
This appointment highlights Algeria’s growing influence in African football, not only on the pitch but also in the crucial area of match officiating. The selection of an all-Algerian team for such a significant fixture is a testament to the quality and professionalism of Algerian referees.
The match promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the semi-finals. With Ghorbal and his team in charge, fans can expect a well-officiated and exciting game.
