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.

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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Defending champions South Africa will continue their title defence with a quarterfinal showdown against Senegal on Saturday at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, as both teams clash in Oudja in what is only their second-ever meeting in the competition—and their first in a knockout round.

Their only previous encounter came in the 2012 group stage in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where South Africa emerged 1-0 winners thanks to a 70th-minute strike from Andisiwe Mcgoyi. A dozen years on, much has changed, but Banyana Banyana’s dominance over West African sides remains remarkably intact.

South Africa: Knockout Pedigree and Defensive Steel

The reigning champions enter the last eight on the back of a commanding 4-0 win over Mali that sealed top spot in Group C and extended their unbeaten run in open play at WAFCON to 14 matches (W11 D3). That run includes victories over traditional heavyweights like Nigeria (twice), Mali (twice), and Ghana, with the only blemish being a 0-0 draw in the 2018 final, which they lost on penalties to Nigeria.

Under coach Desiree Ellis, South Africa have become a formidable tournament team. They have now reached the knockout rounds in 11 WAFCON editions—including the last nine consecutively—and have won their last three knockout matches, all by a single-goal margin and all with clean sheets.

In direct knockout matches under Ellis, South Africa have an unblemished record:

• 2018 Semifinal: 2-0 vs Mali
• 2022 Quarterfinal: 1-0 vs Tunisia
• 2022 Semifinal: 1-0 vs Zambia

Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini has been in fine form, keeping clean sheets in both her appearances at the current tournament and making 10 saves—just one shy of her total from the entire 2022 campaign. Meanwhile, defender Lebogang Ramalepe has contributed directly to three goals (1 goal, 2 assists) and created a team-high six chances.

Senegal: Searching for History Amid Inconsistency

Senegal, meanwhile, are seeking to break new ground. After reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in 2022, they have returned to the last eight but will be hoping to go one better this time by reaching their first-ever WAFCON semifinal. Their only previous knockout experience came in 2022 when they took Zambia to penalties after a 1-1 draw but lost the shootout.

The current campaign began brightly for the Lionesses of Teranga with a resounding 4-0 win over DR Congo. However, back-to-back losses to Zambia (3-2) and hosts Morocco (1-0) have left questions about their defensive solidity and consistency. They have now lost four of their last five WAFCON games (W1 D1 L4).

Interestingly, Senegal’s matches have been high on early drama: seven of the 10 goals (scored and conceded) in their three group-stage matches came in the first half. They are yet to feature in a 0-0 draw in WAFCON history, and all signs point to another open contest in Oudja.

Head-to-Head and Tactical Insight

South Africa’s superiority in knockout matches and their excellent record against West African opposition (five wins and a draw since 2016 in open play) gives them a clear psychological edge. They’ve conceded only once in their last six such matches, scoring 11 goals in the process.

Senegal’s struggle against Southern African sides is notable—they’ve faced Zambia twice (one draw, one loss) and lost their only game against South Africa. Their attack can be potent, especially early in matches, but their defence has conceded six times in their last three WAFCON games.

What’s at Stake

Victory for South Africa would put them in their 11th WAFCON semifinal, cementing their status as the continent’s most consistent performers. For Senegal, a win would mark a historic breakthrough into the tournament’s final four—a milestone that has so far eluded them.

Key Players to Watch

• South Africa: Andile Dlamini (GK), Lebogang Ramalepe (DF), Linda Motlhalo (MF), Jermaine Seoposenwe (FW)
• Senegal: Hapsatou Diallo (FW), Nguenar Ndiaye (FW), Tenning Sene (MF), Safietou Sagna (DF)

Kickoff Time:

Saturday, July 20, 2024 – 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT)
Venue: Oudja, Morocco

Expect a tightly contested affair, but South Africa’s experience, discipline, and history in the latter stages could once again prove decisive.

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