Female Referees in Rwanda has have applauded fellow female referee Mukansanga for a sensational landmark set in the 2022 African cup of the nation, Cameroon.
Rwanda international referee Salma Mukansanga made history at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when she became the first woman to officiate a match at the men’s continental showpiece.
The 33-year-old was a fourth referee during the Group B opening match in which Guinea beat Malawi 1-0 on Tuesday, January 11, at Stade Omnisports de Bafoussam.
“We could not believe it until the media reported about it shortly after CAF released the official list of referees that would handle the Africa Cup of Nations,” female referee Regine Mukayiranga told Weekend Sport in an interview on Thursday.
“I have faith in her to deliver at the AFCON because she has what it takes to shine, then she can prove to Africa that Rwanda has a pool of fantastic female referees. We hope to see more opportunities open for female referees to handle international competitions because we are capable,” she said.
“We are happy and proud of what she is achieving because she is at the same time raising the Rwandan flag high in Cameroon and showcasing what women can do in this beautiful game. There is a chance that her performance will open doors for us to be shortlisted for future competitions,” she added.
According to fellow referee Regine Mukayiranga, referee Salma Mukansanga’s sensational history made has given the zeal to improve because they can also get there.
“Landing the opportunity to officiate at the AFCON boosted our hopes that we can reach far in this career as well,” she added.”