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Moroccan referee Bouchra Karboubi made history at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 by becoming the first Arab woman to officiate in a match between Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau.
Her appointment as the central referee for this high-profile game marked a significant milestone in African football, breaking gender barriers and setting a precedent for future tournaments.
Breaking New Ground in African Football
Karboubi's role in the Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau match was a momentous occasion, not just for her but for the sport as a whole. She joined the ranks of female referees who are challenging the norms in football officiating.
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Her performance was commendable, managing the game effectively with a few controversial calls. This game was particularly significant as all three referees were women, showcasing the growing acceptance and integration of female officials in men's football at a high level.
During an interview, Bouchra Karboubi was asked if she thinks her officiating between Nigeria vs Guinea Bissau game went well and she said as reported by Official54fx, “I did my job. I did my best.
"So for penalty, there is no penalty for me even for VAR even for the commission because even if not all touch in the hand is the penalty because he touched the hand who was in the natural position.
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“So for us, it was not a penalty. So I did my best to do. You find that male players and managers and fans accept you as a referee with authority?
“Yes, the first time it was a little bit complicated. But now I think they accept me when they see the referee woman or the more important is the decision, not male or female.
“So when you have a personality, you did, well, I think they will accept you without a problem.”
When asked if she thinks the VAR has helped or hindered you she continued“For sure? Because the error is human. So we can do mistake because we are the human if we did mistake.
“There is our parachute like we said, is v to correct the mistake. Not all the mistakes because the mistake in football, it's normal but the obvious, really obvious mistake.”
Karboubi's Journey and Influence
Karboubi has been a trailblazer in Moroccan football, becoming the first woman to referee a match in Morocco’s top-tier men’s professional league in 2020.
Her journey from playing football in her youth to becoming a celebrated referee serves as an inspiration for aspiring female referees.
Her achievements, along with those of other female referees like Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga, who was the first woman to referee at the African Cup of Nations in 2022, are pivotal in promoting gender equality in sports.
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Karboubi's involvement in the AFCON 2023, her effective use of VAR, and her overall handling of the game between Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau have been praised by fans and players alike.
Her role in this tournament not only celebrates her achievements but also highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity in football. It opens up a conversation about the increasing role of women in football officiating and the positive impact it has on the game.
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