By: Julius Konton
A team of four Liberian match officials has earned continental recognition after successfully officiating a crucial CAF Confederation Cup group-stage encounter between Wydad AC and Azam FC on Sunday, February 15, at the iconic Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
The match ended in a convincing 2–0 victory for Wydad AC, a result that confirmed the Moroccan giants’ qualification for the quarterfinals of the tournament, one of Africa’s most competitive club competitions organized by the Confederation of African Football.
Liberian Officiating Team
The all-Liberian officiating crew was composed of:
Center Referee: Emmanuel Mensah
Assistant Referee I: Joel W. Doe
Assistant Referee II: Thomas Konneh
Fourth Official: Washington Dolo
Their performance was widely described as calm, authoritative, and technically sound, ensuring the smooth flow of a high-intensity match played before tens of thousands of fans in one of Africa’s most historic football arenas.
A High-Stakes Continental Fixture
Wydad AC, three-time African champions and a perennial force in continental football, entered the fixture needing victory to secure progression from a tightly contested group.
Their two-goal triumph sealed their place among the last eight, extending their impressive record in CAF competitions, where they have reached the knockout stages in over 70% of their continental campaigns since the early 1990s.
Azam FC, representing Tanzania, pushed aggressively in the first half but were contained by disciplined defending and decisive officiating, with no major controversies recorded a testament to the professionalism of the match officials.
Growing Recognition for Liberian Referees
The appointment of four Liberian referees to such a decisive CAF group-stage match underscores Liberia’s rising profile in African football officiating.
Over the past decade, CAF has intensified referee development programs across West Africa, leading to increased representation from countries traditionally underrepresented at elite continental levels.
According to CAF technical reports, fewer than 5% of referees appointed to group-stage matches in major CAF tournaments over the last 15 years have come from Liberia making this assignment both symbolic and historic.
A Boost for Liberian Football Development
Football analysts say the successful handling of the match could open doors for Liberian referees to receive future appointments in knockout-stage matches, CAF youth tournaments, and FIFA-sanctioned competitions.
“This is not just an individual achievement; it is a national milestone,” said a West African football development expert.
“Such exposure elevates confidence in Liberia’s football systems and inspires the next generation of referees.”
Conclusion:
As Wydad AC march into the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup, Liberia quietly celebrates a different kind of victory, one marked by professionalism, continental trust, and growing respect on Africa’s biggest football stages.
The performance of Emmanuel Mensah and his team sends a strong message: Liberia’s referees are ready for the highest level of African football.
