Three Kenyan referees selected for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations duty

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FOOTBALL Three Kenyan referees selected for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations duty

Festus Chuma 09:33 - 22.12.2023

Kenyan referees chosen for Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt and Morocco lead in referee representation.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled an exciting roster of referees for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, and Kenya is proudly represented by a talented trio of officials.

With the 34th edition of the prestigious tournament set to take center stage in Cote d'Ivoire from January 13th to February 11th, the inclusion of Peter Waweru Kamaku as a field referee, along with Gilbert Cheruiyot and Yiembe Stephen as assistant referees, adds a touch of Kenyan excellence to the event.

Peter Waweru Kamaku, a professor of pure mathematics at the renowned Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), brings not only his academic prowess but also a wealth of refereeing experience to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Having officiated in the FKF Premier League since 2013 and earned his FIFA-listed referee status in 2017, the 40-year-old referee is a seasoned professional.

Waweru's track record includes overseeing matches in various FIFA tournaments, including the AFCON under-20 in 2019, AFCON 2019 in Egypt, the 2019 Under-17 World Cup in Brazil, and the gripping 2021 CHAN tournament final clash between Morocco and Mali.

Gilbert Cheruiyot, whose career trajectory reached new heights, is another Kenyan referee to watch closely.

His standout moment came when he officiated the second leg of the 2023 CAF Champions League final on June 12th, a high-stakes encounter between Egyptian titans Al Ahly and Morocco's Wydad Casablanca.

Cheruiyot's composure and precision on the pitch have earned him a spot among the continent's elite officials.

Yiembe Stephen, serving as an assistant referee, is a rising star in the Kenyan refereeing scene.

His contribution to the 2023 AFCON U-23 final match between Morocco and Egypt showcased his skills and potential, paving the way for his inclusion in the Africa Cup of Nations lineup.

Egypt and Morocco lead the pack with seven referees each, emphasizing their strong presence in the continental competition.

Algeria closely follows with five referees, while the host nation, Cote d'Ivoire, will be represented by three referees, underlining their commitment to making this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations a resounding success. 

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