CAF hands youngest AFCON referee Abdou Abdoul Morocco–Mali clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Cameroonian official Mefire Abdou Abdoul as the referee for the Group Stage Matchday Two meeting between Morocco and Mali, which will be played in Rabat on Thursday, Sport360NG reports.

At 29, Abdoul is the youngest referee appointed at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, a decision that reflects CAF’s increasing trust in emerging officials to manage high-profile fixtures. The Morocco–Mali encounter is expected to be fiercely contested, with both teams seeking vital points as the group battle begins to take shape.

Despite his age, Abdoul brings experience at the highest level. He previously oversaw the African Nations Championship (CHAN) final between hosts Morocco and Madagascar, earning praise for his calm handling of a high-pressure occasion.

With a passionate crowd anticipated in Rabat and the stakes rising, Abdoul will be under close scrutiny as he takes charge of one of the tournament’s standout group matches, continuing his rapid ascent among Africa’s elite referees.