In the heart of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, where dreams rise and nations roar, two Rwandan sisters are quietly leaving an indelible mark—not with goals, tackles, or chants—but with flags, whistles, and a bond that defies convention.

Meet Aline Umutoni and Alice Umutesi—identical twins, inseparable souls, and trailblazers in African football officiating. As central referee and assistant referee respectively, the duo took centre stage once again on Saturday night, overseeing the tension-filled quarter-final between Algeria and Ghana in Berkane. And while Ghana emerged victorious on penalties, another compelling narrative unfolded in the background—the story of the only twin referees in the tournament, commanding the spotlight with calm authority and unshakable unity.

Their presence is more than a novelty. It is a statement. It is about visibility, representation, and redefining boundaries in a sport that, until recently, seldom had space for women—let alone women who come in twos.

From Rwanda’s Hills to Africa’s Biggest Stage

Born and raised in the lush valleys of Rwanda, Aline and Alice’s journey began like many others—with a shared love for football. As players in their youth, the field was once their playground. But as the boots were eventually hung, the passion remained. Rather than walking away, they stepped even deeper into the sport—this time with whistles and rulebooks in hand.

“We wanted to stay in football,” Aline said. “So we trained, we committed. And now, we are here.”

Their rise wasn’t without sacrifice. Initially, both trained as central referees, but a gentle nudge from their coach, Mbake, helped them realise that they were stronger as complements, not competitors. “He told us, if both of you stay as referees, it’s like you’re competing,” Alice recalled. And so, Aline remained in the centre, Alice moved to the flank. The synergy was instant, and unstoppable.

“I’m bossy, responsible, I like to make decisions,” Aline explained with a laugh. “But I’m not shy on the pitch!” she added, as Alice teasingly nudged her. Their chemistry is both playful and professional—a blend that’s helped them thrive.

Mirror Image, Different Roles

In a game that demands split-second decisions and unflinching confidence, Aline and Alice provide each other with the most valuable tool—honest feedback.

“Her mistakes are my mistakes,” Alice says. “So I criticize her. That’s how we grow.”

Aline echoes the sentiment: “We tell each other the truth. When the truth brings change, we embrace it.”

Their pairing often sees them assigned to the same matches—traveling together, officiating together, and making history together. “That’s the advantage for us,” Alice said. “We work the same matches. We move as one.”

Proud Daughters of Rwanda

In every match, they wear not just their FIFA badges, but the heart of a nation. As Rwanda’s leading female officials, they carry their country’s pride with grace and strength.

“To represent your country as twins is a pleasure,” Alice said. “We are very, very proud.”

And Rwanda is proud of them too—twin ambassadors of integrity and excellence on the continental stage.

Their most memorable moment so far? For Aline, it was standing in the middle during Nigeria’s group stage clash against Botswana. “So much was going on,” she said. “But we managed. I was very happy.”

Beyond the Game

Off the pitch, the sisters are just like any other pair of twins—with a flair for fashion, friendly debates, and shared preferences. Dresses, jackets, laughs, and late-night conversations. Their life is full, grounded in family and driven by ambition.

Their message to young African girls is simple but powerful: “Refereeing is not only for men,” Alice said. “You can earn a living. You can buy a house. You can help orphans. You can do everything. The field is yours. For us, refereeing is life.”

A Legacy in the Making

In a tournament filled with drama and dreams, Aline and Alice bring a quiet kind of heroism—one built on discipline, unity, and purpose. They may not score goals or lift trophies, but their presence is shaping the future of women’s football in Africa in profound ways.

With every offside call and every whistle blown, they remind us that football is more than a game. It’s a stage where stories like theirs can inspire a continent.

-CAFonline/Sports Village Square

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

A potentially politically charged semifinal at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024 was averted on Saturday night after Ghana edged Algeria in a dramatic penalty shootout, bringing relief to organisers and fans who had anxiously anticipated the prospect of a high-stakes Morocco-Algeria encounter.

With Morocco already through to the semifinals following their win over Mali, all eyes turned to Berkane for the quarterfinal clash between Ghana and Algeria.

 A win for the North African neighbours would have set up a Morocco vs Algeria semifinal—a fixture laden with political and diplomatic undertones given the long-standing tensions between the two countries.

But Ghana’s Black Queens had other ideas. After a tense 0-0 draw in regulation time, the West Africans held their nerve to triumph 4-2 in the penalty shootout, sending them into the last four for the first time since 2006 and defusing what could have been an emotionally fraught North African derby.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had reportedly prepared contingency protocols in case the politically sensitive fixture materialised, with concerns over fan behaviour, security logistics, and the broader diplomatic context.

The last time Morocco and Algeria met in a major tournament—the men’s Arab Cup in 2021—the atmosphere was tense and highly scrutinised.

With Ghana now set to face hosts Morocco in the semifinals, the focus shifts back to football.

The Black Queens’ resurgence under coach Kim Lars Børkegren has been one of the standout stories of the tournament, and their clash with the high-flying Atlas Lionesses promises to be a thrilling sporting spectacle free from political baggage.

As the dust settles in Berkane, fans across the continent can look forward to a mouth-watering semifinal lineup driven by sporting ambition rather than political subtext.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

As the tension rises this Saturday in Oudja ahead of the quarterfinal clash between defending champions South Africa and spirited underdogs Senegal, the Super Falcons of Nigeria—and millions of their fans back home—are watching with keen interest.

The outcome of Saturday’s showdown will determine who Nigeria faces in the semifinal of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024.

Nigeria, chasing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, booked their place in the semifinals in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 demolition of Zambia in Casablanca on Friday.

Now, all eyes are on Oudja, where South Africa and Senegal will lock horns at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT).

“We’ve done our part. Now we wait,” said a Nigerian fan in Lagos. “Whether it’s South Africa or Senegal, we’ll be ready.”

The Super Falcons have a rich and storied rivalry with South Africa.. A potential semifinal between the two would be a high-stakes rematch of past continental classics, evoking memories of Nigeria’s penalty shootout triumph in the 2018 final and South Africa’s 2-1 group-stage victory in 2022.

On the other hand, if Senegal pulls off an upset, it would be the first-ever WAFCON semifinal appearance for the Lionesses of Teranga—and a historic first meeting with Nigeria at this stage of the competition.

Across Nigeria, anticipation is mounting. From viewing centres in Lagos and Abuja to fans watching on their mobile devices across the country, the focus is now firmly on who will step forward to challenge the tournament’s most successful team.

South Africa, led by coach Desiree Ellis, have been impressive with their disciplined defence and tournament pedigree. Senegal, meanwhile, are seeking to shake up the hierarchy and make a statement.

Whatever the result, the Super Falcons await—rejuvenated, relentless, and ready for another shot at continental glory.

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