Kenyan referee Peter Waweru Kamaku has been appointed Video Assistant Referee for one of the tournament’s most electrifying showdowns — Senegal vs Egypt — set for 14 January 2026 at Tanger Stadium in Morocco. The announcement cements Kamaku’s rise as one of Africa’s most trusted match officials and adds a compelling subplot to a clash already bristling with drama.
A Dual Life of Whistle and Wisdom
Kamaku’s journey is as unusual as it is impressive. A fixture in the Kenyan Premier League since 2013 and a FIFA-listed referee since 2017, he has carved out a reputation for calm authority on the continent’s biggest stages. Off the pitch he is equally formidable — a professor of pure mathematics at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology — a blend of analytical precision and match-day nerve that makes him ideally suited to the high-stakes VAR role.
The Multinational Team in Tangier
The Confederation of African Football has assembled a diverse officiating crew for the 8:00 pm EAT kick-off, reflecting the match’s continental importance. Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho will take charge at the centre, supported by Boris Marlaise Ditsoga as Assistant Referee 1, Styven Moutsassi Moyo as Assistant Referee 2 and Amos Abeigne Ndong as Assistant Referee 3. Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala will serve as fourth official.
In the VAR hub, Kamaku will be joined by Letticia Antonella Viana as Assistant VAR 1 and Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue as Assistant VAR 2. Inacio Manuel Candido will act as referee assessor, overseeing the performance of the match officials.
A Milestone for Kenyan Officiating
Kamaku’s selection is more than a personal accolade. It signals a growing confidence from CAF in Kenyan referees to manage the continent’s most pressure-cooked fixtures. His appointment represents a milestone for Kenyan officiating and a clear message that officials from the country are ready for the spotlight when Africa’s football giants collide.
Match Stakes and Expectations
The Senegal vs Egypt semi-final ranks among AFCON’s most magnetic fixtures, pitting recent champions against the seven-time winners in a battle that will command attention across Africa and beyond. With a place in the final on the line, the match promises intensity, tactical chess and moments that could hinge on split-second decisions — exactly the scenarios where a composed VAR team is vital.
Final Word
With an experienced, multinational officiating panel and Peter Waweru Kamaku in the VAR chair, CAF will be hoping for a fair, fluid and controversy-free night in Tangier. For fans, players and officials alike, the stage is set for a classic — and the referees will be as much a part of the story as the stars on the pitch.
