Bouchra Karboubi became the second woman to referee an African Cup of Nations finals game, following in the footsteps of Salima Mukansanga in Cameroon two years ago.
The Moroccan also made history by heading the first all-female officiating team at the finals when she was placed in charge of Nigeria versus Guinea Bissau in which the former won 1-0. Born in 1988 in Taza, Karboubi is a trailblazing referee who has made significant strides in officiating both women’s and men’s matches at continental competitions.
She made her debut as an international referee in 2016, A few years later, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) selected her among the “Elite A” or first-class category referees
Karboubi, who previously officiated Morocco’s Throne Cup final in 2022, made history in 2020 as the first female referee in Morocco’s top men’s football league, the Botola Pro 1.
In addition, the 36-year-old referee was appointed as the main referee for the group stage game between the US and Vietnam at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
