When Shamirah Nabadda, a 34‑year‑old Ugandan international referee, took charge of the WAFCON semi‑final on in Morocco, the stakes were sky‑high. The match pitted defending champions South Africa against nine‑time winners Nigeria for a place in the tournament final.
- Venue: Morocco (specific city undisclosed)
- Attendance: Estimated 12,000 spectators
- Key officials: Assistant referees Fanta Idrissa Koné, Mariem Chedad; VAR assistant Salima Mukasanga (Rwanda)
- Outcome: Nigeria advanced to the final, ending South Africa’s title defence
- Significance: Top three teams qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Background: WAFCON 2024 and the Rise of a Ugandan Referee
The 15th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations kicked off on 5 July 2024, offering both continental glory and a direct pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the tournament featured 12 nations across North and Sub‑Saharan Africa.
For Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), Nabadda’s appointment was a milestone. She is the first Ugandan woman to officiate at a senior WAFCON semi‑final and only the second Ugandan official ever to appear at a major global event, after Ali Tomusange’s 2000 World Cup stint.
The Semi‑Final Showdown: Nigeria vs South Africa
From the first whistle, the atmosphere was electric. Both sides pressed hard, knowing a World Cup ticket hung in the balance. Nigeria’s forward line, led by prolific striker Asisat Oshoala, looked dangerous, while South Africa’s captain Refiloe Jane organised the back line with her usual composure.
Mid‑first‑half drama erupted in the 44th minute. Nabadda spotted a handball by South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane – her outstretched arm nudged the ball inside the box. After a brief check, she pointed to the spot, awarding Nigeria a penalty. Oshoala stepped up and, despite a fingertip clatter from South African keeper Andile Dlamini, saw the ball roll into the right‑hand corner.
The goal gave Nigeria a 1‑0 lead and shifted the momentum. South Africa, however, refused to fold. A few minutes later, a scramble inside the Nigerian box saw Osinachi Ohale’s challenge on Hildah Magaia. After a drawn‑out VAR review, Nabadda confirmed the infringement and pointed to the spot for the home side.
Enter Lebohang Majara Motlhalo. The midfielder, who missed a crucial spot‑kick in the 2018 WAFCON final, calmly slotted the penalty into the bottom left, equalising 1‑1 and marking Nigeria’s first goal conceded in the tournament.
Key Decisions on the Pitch
Beyond the penalties, Nabadda’s handling of a chaotic box‑rattle in the 68th minute drew praise. South Africa’s defender Gabriela Salgado tangled with a Nigerian attacker, suffering a horrific leg injury. Nabadda halted play, ensured medical staff entered promptly, and, after a lengthy on‑field assessment, signalled the stretcher removal. Salgado’s captain, Refiloe Jane, stayed by her side, showcasing the team’s solidarity.
Throughout the 90‑plus minutes, Nabadda kept a steady rhythm. She issued only two yellow cards – one each to a Nigerian midfielder and a South African defender – and managed player tempers with measured verbal warnings, a skill she honed during her stints at men’s CHAN matches.
Reactions and Legacy
Post‑match, CAF’s head of refereeing, Julius Datti, said Nabadda’s performance "set a benchmark for African women referees on the biggest stages." The Ugandan media echoed the sentiment, highlighting her journey from a local league official to the centre of a continental semi‑final.
In an interview with CAFOnline, Nabadda reflected, "The last three years have been simply superb for me. I have made so many achievements and I am really proud. Looking back, I don’t have regrets for switching playing with refereeing." She also noted the unique pressures of officiating men’s matches, stating, "Men are stubborn compared to women. As a female referee I need to have personality and presence. The competition is really tough and intense, and physically you have to be at the same level as men."
For the teams, the result meant Nigeria advanced to the final, where they will face the winner of the other semi‑final (a detail still to be decided at the time of writing). South Africa’s campaign ended, but their run reinforced their status as a growing powerhouse in women’s football.
What Lies Ahead for Nabadda and African Women’s Football
With the tournament concluding on 26 July, the top three finishers – Nigeria, the upcoming finalist, and the third‑place winner – secure spots at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Nabadda’s high‑profile appointment is expected to inspire a new generation of African women officials, a goal championed by both FUFA and CAF’s gender‑inclusion programmes.
Looking forward, Nabadda is slated to officiate in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations U‑20 qualifiers and hopes to break further ground at the 2026 Women’s World Cup. Her trajectory showcases how African referees can climb the global ladder, provided they receive consistent support and exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Shamirah Nabadda become a top‑level referee?
Nabadda earned her FUFA badge in 2016, received her FIFA badge in 2018, and quickly moved into World Cup qualifiers and continental tournaments. Her breakout moment came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she became the first Ugandan woman to officiate at the Games, paving the way for her semi‑final appointment at WAFCON.
What impact did the semi‑final have on World Cup qualification?
The match determined one of the three automatic qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Nigeria’s victory secured their spot, while the final and the third‑place playoff will decide the remaining two berths.
Why was the penalty awarded to Nigeria controversial?
At the 44th minute, Nabadda judged that Bambanani Mbane’s outstretched arm made contact with the ball inside the penalty area. Replay footage showed a slight deflection, leading to debate among fans, but the referee’s decision stood and resulted in Oshoala’s goal.
How did South Africa respond after conceding the first goal?
South Africa pressed forward, earned a penalty after a VAR‑confirmed handball on Hildah Magaia, and equalised through Motlhalo’s spot‑kick. Their resilience kept the match level until the final whistle, but they ultimately fell short.
What does Nabadda’s performance mean for women referees in Africa?
Her poise in a high‑pressure semi‑final demonstrates that African women can handle elite fixtures. CAF and national associations are now using her story to promote mentorship programmes, aiming to increase female representation on the referee roster for future tournaments.
It’s astonishing how a single referee can become the poster child for a hidden agenda that the powers-that-be don’t want us to see. Shamirah Nabadda’s rise is being spun as a progressive miracle while the same old patriarchy still decides who gets the big stage. If you look past the PR fluff, you’ll notice the same federation executives pulling the strings behind the curtain. In a world where every move is scripted, celebrating a single appointment feels like a distraction from the systemic bias still rampant in African football.