)
The match official was at her brilliant best as an all-African crew took charge of Portugal's win over Vietnam.
Kenyan referee Mary Njoroge officiated her first match at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup when Portugal beat Vietnam 2-0 at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand on Thursday.
Njoroge was among the all-African crew led by Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga, who was the center referee, with the Kenyan serving as one of her assistants, alongside Queency Victoire from Mauritius.
)
08:04 - 27.07.2023
STARS ABROAD Joseph Okumu’s much anticipated Stade Reims debut turns sour
The lanky defender was making his debut for the French club against Getafe.
Njoroge was not tested much during the encounter which Portugal took command of from the start with Telma Encarnacao scoring the opening goal after just seven minutes before she set up Kika Nazareth for the second 14 minutes later.
The Kenyan's major call came in the first half when she flagged offside a Vietnam attacker just before Portugal scored their second goal.
)
11:00 - 26.07.2023
FOOTBALL: Kenyan referee to take charge of her first match in ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup
Mary Njoroge has finally been slotted for her first assignment at the ongoing global tournament in Australia New Zealand
The three African referees worked seamlessly but it was no surprise given their massive experience.
Njoroge and Mukansanga are making a second appearance at the World Cup, after officiating at the 2019 tournament in France, while it is the first for Victoire.
)
19:26 - 05.07.2023
FOOTBALL Kenyan referee Mary Njoroge hopes second Women’s World Cup opens doors for ‘dream’ men’s tournament assignment
The match official will be among 55 assistant referees at the 2023 tournament but she will not give up until she officiates at the men’s World Cup
Besides the World Cup, Njoroge has also worked on the Olympics, Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, CAF Confederation Cup, and the U17 Africa Cup of Nations matches and will be looking forward to more assignments in Australia and New Zealand.
Victory revived Portugal's hopes of reaching the Round of 16 but they will need to pull off a shock win against defending champions United States to sail through.
)
09:25 - 27.07.2023
STARS ABROAD Wanyama absent as CF Montreal suffer defeat to Wayne Rooney's DC United
The former Harambee Stars captain did not win the fitness race for the cup game with his side's qualification chances now slim.
USA and 2019 beaten finalists Netherlands are both tied on four points in Group E after two matches while Portugal have three from as many games.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)