Four Moroccan officials tasked with officiating Kenya's crucial encounter against Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed four Moroccan referees to oversee the pivotal World Cup qualification match between Kenya and Ivory Coast on Tuesday, set to take place at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.
This decision comes as Kenya, unable to host matches at a CAF-certified facility within its borders, continues to hold its qualification games in Malawi.
The officiating team will be led by center referee Jayed Jalal, accompanied by assistant referees Jermoumi Fatiha and Lahmidi Yahya.
Chafiq Rachid will serve as the fourth official, completing the Moroccan quartet tasked with ensuring a fair and smoothly-run game. Additionally, Gaye Fatou from Egypt has been assigned as the referee assessor, while Amir Abdi from Somalia will act as the match commissioner.
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Context and Recent Performance
Kenya's Harambee Stars are looking to bounce back after a 1-1 draw against Burundi last Friday, a result influenced by a defensive mishap involving Daniel Anyembe and Patrick Matasi.
The draw keeps Kenya third in Group F with four points from three matches. The upcoming match against Ivory Coast, who are the reigning African champions and have maintained a perfect record in their qualification campaign, presents a significant challenge for the Kenyan team.
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Firat's Concerns
Stars head coach Engin Firat had expressed dissatisfaction with the refereeing in the previous match against Burundi, particularly criticizing the performance of Burkina Faso’s Jean Ouattara.
Firat noted that the game was frequently interrupted, which disrupted Kenya’s rhythm and flow.
“The first 15 minutes we didn't start like I wanted. Afterward, we started our passing game and got our goal chances. So, I cannot say that I'm happy with the referee because they did everything to stop the game.
“Every ball, every free kick against us, every set piece, took two or three minutes to restart,” Firat commented.
The Task Ahead
Facing the formidable Ivory Coast, who have won all their matches in the qualifiers so far, Kenya will need to be at their best. The Elephants are leading Group F and have demonstrated their dominance with convincing performances. Kenya's task is formidable but not impossible, as they aim to secure an upset and improve their standing in the group.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch the live action of the Kenya vs. Ivory Coast match on KBC Channel One, with the game scheduled to kick off at 4 PM.
The match promises to be a test of skill, strategy, and resilience for the Harambee Stars as they strive to make a mark against the African champions.
This match is not just about securing points; it’s about proving their potential on an international stage. With the Moroccan referees ensuring fair play, the stage is set for an intense and exciting encounter in Lilongwe.