Top international referee and Former Africa’s number one umpire Bakary Papa Gassama has made the final cut of central referees selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate at next year’s cup of Nations in Cameron.
The body responsible for the continental premier competition (CAF) has maintained the same pick of 24 central referees that officiated the 2019 edition.
9 officials have also been earmarked to officiate the video assistant referee (VAR) among 31 assistant referees selected across the continent.
Seasoned Referee Bakary Papa Gassama is the only Gambian central referee to officiate an Olympic tournament, FIFA World Cup and the African Cup of Nations. He became the first Gambian to officiate the Africa Cup of Nations final when he took charge of the Ghana – Ivory Coast game in Equatorial Guinea in 2015.
The 42-year old central referee is looking forward to another successful Cup of Nations.
The 33rd edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place from January 9th to February 6th 2022 in Cameroon.
