Mukansanga makes history in FIFA World Cup

_{Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga made history when she became the first African female referee to officiate at the FIFA World Cup after 92 years..}

_{The 34-year old Mukansanga was the fourth referee in a Group D match between France and Australia played on Tuesday at the Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar in the on-going FIFA World Cup 2022.}

_{The match that the reigning champions France won 4-1 was officiated by South Africa’s Victor Gomes as the center referee, assisted by fellow countrymen Zakhele Siwela and Lesothian Souru Phatsoane.}

_{Before the tournament kicked off the Rwanda official who is also carrying the CECAFA flag said she is ready for the task in the FIFA World Cup 2022.}

_{“We deserve to be here. We have worked hard and are working with our brothers to be here. It’s not easy or difficult to be a woman. It’s about understanding what we have to do and giving the best we have to succeed. Everywhere we are we share our identity as referees,” she added.}

_{Auka Gecheo, the Executive Director of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) said they are proud of Mukansanga. “It is good times for Mukansanga and CECAFA who have a referee officiating at the World Cup,” added Gecheo.}

_{The other two female referees selected for the first time for a men’s FIFA World Cup include Japan’s Yamashita Yoshimi and Stephanie Frappart (France).}

_{Early this year Mukansanga also became the first woman to referee at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.}