Mbabane – Eswatini will have only one representative among match officials at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football confirmed that veteran referee Letticia Viana is the country’s sole selection for the tournament set for Morocco from 21 December.
CAF released its final list this week, naming 28 referees, 31 assistant referees and 14 video match officials for the competition. Viana, one of the country’s most experienced officials, is the only Eswatini referee included, despite the nation holding 12 FIFA-accredited referees.
Her appointment has brought pride and concern in equal measure. Eswatini Referees Association Secretary General Mbongeni Shongwe said the fraternity is delighted by her progress but disappointed that only one local official made the cut. He noted that expectations were higher, especially for referees who have officiated at major youth tournaments.
Shongwe said those who previously handled AFCON Under-20 matches should now be pushing for senior tournament recognition. He encouraged all elite match officials to improve their consistency and visibility ahead of future continental assignments.
The Eswatini Football Association confirmed it had received CAF’s communication but noted that the selection process remains an exclusive matter between CAF and referees.
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