FIFA 2014: Algeria’s Djamel to referee Ghana-Zambia game
Algerian referee Haimoudi Djamel has been named for next month’s 2014 World Cup qualifier between Ghana and Zambia.
The 42-year old, rated the finest referee on the continent, will direct affairs from the middle for the ultimate Group D encounter billed for Friday, September 6 at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.
Information gathered by GNA Sports from the world soccer governing body, Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) indicates Djamel, who speaks fluent English, French in addition to his mother tongue Arabic, will lead a team of Algerian and Moroccan match officials for the encounter.
The selection of the Algerian is a testimony of the importance FIFA attaches to the day six clash, which will give birth to the group’s representative for the final stage of the qualifying series.
Djamel’s last major assignment was at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil last month, where he officiated the third place match between Italy and Uruguay. He also handled the final match at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa earlier in the year.
Interestingly, he was the same man at the middle when Ghana beat Congo 3-1 in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, also played on a Friday, November 6, 2011 at the Baba Yara Stadium.
He will be assisted by compatriot Abdelhak Etchiali and Moroccan Achik Redoaune. Algerian Mohamed Bichari will act as the fourth official.
Kenyan Nicholas Musonye, who doubles as Secretary General of the Council for Central and East Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has been appointed Match Commissioner and Mohamed Bahou, also from Morocco as Referees Assessor.
The Stars need at least a draw against the Chipolopolo to book a place at the next round the qualifying series.
Source: GNA