Seabata Mahao
Lesotho’s top assistant referee Souru Phatšoane will get his first taste of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when defending world champions France take on Australia in a Group D match tonight at 21:00 pm.
Phatšoane will be Lesotho’s first-ever referee to officiate at the World Cup.
Victor Gomes, a South African referee, will be in charge of match between France and Australia, assisted by Phatšoane and Zakhele Siwela, a South African assistant.
The fourth official will be top women’s football referee Salima Mukansanga from Rwanda.
“Match officials designations. FIFA World Cup – Game 8, 22 November 2022, Al Janoub Stadium. France and Australia. Referee: Victor Gomes. AR 1: Zakhele Siwela. AR 2: Souru. Phatšoane. 4th: Salima Mukansanga,†FIFA confirmed on Monday.
Gomes, Phatšoane and Siwela previously worked together in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Egypt in February this year.
They also officiated in the final of Total Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League between Al Ahly and Wydad Athletic Club in Morocco on May 30.
There are six five Africans referees in Qatar; Gomes (South Africa), Janny Sikazwe (Zambia), Bakary Gassama (Gambia), Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria), Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda) and Maguette N’Diaye (Senegal).
The African continent is also represented by 10 assistant referees and two Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials.
Assistant referees:
Phatšoane (Lesotho), Siwela (South Africa) Mahmoud Abouelregal (Egypt), Samba El Hadji (Senegal), Elvis Noupue (Cameroon), Arsenio Marengule (Mozambique), Gourari Mokrane (Algeria), Abdelhak Etchiali (Algeria), Jerson Dos Santos (Angola), Djibril Camara (Senegal).
African video referees:
Redouane Jiyed (Morocco) and Adil Zourak (Morocco).
