South African referee to officiate Kenya-DR Congo CHAN 2024 opener

South African referee Jelly Alfred Chavani who will officiate CHAN 2024 opener between Kenya and DR Congo on August 3, 2025. [Courtesy]

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the officiating team for Sunday's much-anticipated CHAN 2024 Group A opener between hosts Kenya and DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium.

South African referee Jelly Alfred Chavani has been appointed as the centre referee for the high-stakes clash.

His selection reflects CAF’s confidence in his calm demeanor and sound decision-making, especially under the pressure of one of Africa’s biggest football stages.

Harambee Stars players during training session for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN)  on July 30, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Supporting Chavani on the sidelines will be assistant referees Soulaimane Amaldine from Comoros and Joel Wonka Doe from Liberia, both tasked with monitoring offside calls and touchline decisions.

DR Congo national team arrive at JKIA for CHAN 2024 Championshipon July 31, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Fourth official duties will be handled by Mauritius’ Patrice Milazar, who will oversee substitutions, manage technical areas, and help maintain discipline on the benches.

In the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth, Dahane Beida of Mauritania will take charge of video reviews, assisted by Maria Packuita Cynquela Rivet, also from Mauritius.

The duo will review critical match incidents—including goals, penalty appeals, and potential red card situations—to ensure key decisions are accurate and fair.

CAF's comprehensive match officiating lineup underscores the importance of today’s curtain-raiser as the continent tunes in for a thrilling CHAN tournament opener.