Cameroonian referee to handle opening game at AFCON

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has appointed Cameroonian referee Alioum Alioum to handle the opening match between host Egypt and Zimbabwe at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday, June 21, at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Alioum, 36, and an Air Force Officer in his native Cameroon would steer affairs of the Group A clash that would open the curtains for the 32nd edition of the flagship continental championship.

He is one of the most experienced referees on the elite panel of match officials having officiated at the last four editions of the Africa Cup of Nations – 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017.

Alioum is a regular face on the continent, who officiated in the 2014 Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

His assistants would compatriot Evarist Menkouande and Senegalese El Hadji Malick Samba.

Menkouande ranks amongst the oldest at the tournament. He has officiated at every edition of the biennial showpiece since 2008, making it seven editions in a row.

Samba, who turns 40 next September, was present at the finals in 2013, 2015 and 2017.

The fourth official is Maguette Ndiaye, also from Senegal.