Malawi ref for Africa Women’s Football final
Malawi’s Fifa ranked assistant referee Bernadettar Kwimbira Mzika has proved that she is one of the best in Africa after being assigned to handle the final of the Africa Women’s Football final between Cameroon and Nigeria on Saturday in Namibia.
Kwimbira-Mzika was picked alongside her partner Zambian referee Gladys Lengwe in the inaugural Youth Olympics held in China and Moroccan Oulhaj Soud while Aissata from Togo will be the fourth official.
The Malawian, who has handled two group games in South Africa against Cameroon and Zambia’s encounter against Ivory Coast as first assistant referee, handled the game as second assistant referee.
In an interview from Namibia the former middle distance runner and Malawi Defence Force employee was over the mood to have officiated the final game.
“I was told that I could be assigned the final match but I kept my finger. I thank God for making this possible.”
Having made the grade in the list of 16 officiating panel selected after the group games she was hoping to finish the tournament after her name was included on the semifinals panel.
Kwimbira-Mzika also handled a final match for women’s football at the inaugural Youth Olympics held in China in August in which the hosts beat Venezuela to win the Olympic medal.
Cameroon beat Ivory Coast while Nigeria saw off South Africa in the semifinals to reach the final.
Nigeria got the better of Cameroon 2-0 to win the seventh title of the competition while South Africa were dealt a big blow after losing to Ivory Coast for a third place to miss the World Cup ticket in Canada next year.
Wathu Wathu wosula tokha pa Mafco uyu. Best recriut MDF 1st women intake. Umatiimira Madam/SIR.
Wende lululo, fukafukagha fiyo.DOP is proud of you.
Well done Bena we are proud of you!