Mustapha Ghorbal Leads Algerian Team for 2027 AFCON Qualifier

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has selected Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal to officiate a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match. This appointment sees Ghorbal taking charge of the upcoming clash between Ivory Coast and Ghana, a significant fixture within the continental tournament qualifiers.

Ghorbal will lead an all-Algerian officiating team for the game. He will be assisted by fellow Algerian referees Abbas Zerhouni and Makran Gourani, who are designated as the first and second assistant referees, respectively. This collective appointment highlights Algerian expertise in officiating high-stakes international football.

The qualifying encounter is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026. It forms part of the first round of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and will be hosted at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, Ivory Coast. The selection of an Algerian team for this crucial fixture underscores their recognized capability within African football's officiating ranks.