Three Malawian referees are expected to officiate a game in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and one in the 2025 African U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification.
Communication from FIFA states that Malawi’s Godfrey Nkhakananga will take charge as the centre referee assisted by Pondamali Tembo and Clemence Kanduku in a qualifying match between Central African Republic and Mali, a game scheduled for 24th March 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco.
On the other hand, CAF’s communication revealed that Martha Nyekanyeka will be the referee’s assessor for FIFA U17 Women’s qualifier between Congo DR and Benin at the Complexe Omnisport’s Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on 16 March 2025.
Football Association of Malawi’s Referees Manager, Duncan Lengani, said these appointments will inspire many referees.
“This development can have a positive impact on the overall quality of football in Malawi and inspire future generations of referees and players as we transform the game,” Lengani said.
Sports analyst, Dan Chemis, concurred with Lengani, adding that local football will benefit.
“I hope they will learn from such assignments and when they come home other officials will try to perform at a level where they are recognised on the FIFA radar,” Chemis said.
In February this year, CAF appointed two Malawian referees for the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations qualifying match between Burkina Faso and Burundi.
Bernadettar Kwimbira served as the first assistant referee while Eness Gumbo was allocated as the fourth official in the match that was played in Bamako, Mali, on 26th February 2025 at Stade 26 Mars.
CAF also appointed Nyekanyeka as referee’s assessor for a 2026 WAFCON qualifying match between Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea, a game played in Der Es Salaam, Tanzania, at Azam Complex Stadium on 20th February 2025.
