On Tuesday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the final list of referees selected to officiate the prestigious 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2024, to January 18, 2025, showcasing top talent from across the continent.
Among the notable selections was Rwandan referee Uwikunda Samuel, chosen as a center referee and the sole representative from Rwanda. Other countries highlighted in the lineup include Algeria with two center referees, Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya each with one referee, while Morocco, Mauritania, and Egypt boast two referees each in different roles.
Uwikunda Samuel's inclusion in the elite group came after he participated in specialized referee training aimed at preparing for this major football event.
The 37-year-old started his football career as a youth player for Amagaju FC before transitioning into officiating. In 2007, he underwent training organized by the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) and began his refereeing journey in 2008.
Uwikunda achieved a significant milestone in 2014 when he was promoted to officiate matches in Rwanda’s top-tier football league. He gained international recognition in 2017 when FIFA certified him as an official international referee.
Over the years, Uwikunda Samuel has accumulated extensive experience officiating in premier African tournaments. His portfolio includes officiating in the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania (2021), and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) held in Algeria in 2022.
Uwikunda Samuel is set to make Rwanda proud as he takes his expertise to the international stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.