By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – Eswatini continues to be recognized internationally when it comes to football international tournaments officiating.
This comes after the duo of Letticia Vianna and Celumusa Phiri were appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate in the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 to be hosted in Egypt.
This appointment highlights the growing influence of Eswatini in international football, showcasing the talent and capabilities of its officials on a continental stage.
According to the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) statement, Letticia Antonella Vianna is being selected as one of the Video Analyst Referees (VARs), and Celumusa Sivumelwane Phiri is selected as one of the Assistant Referees.
The opening match of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 will be played on Sunday, April 27, 2025 and the Final on May 18, 2025. Egypt hosts the tournament after the withdrawal of Ivory Coast.
“Letticia Antonella Vianna is being selected as one of the Video Analyst Referees (VARs), and Celumusa Sivumelwane Phiri is selected as one of the Assistant Referees for the upcoming CAF TotalEnergies AFCON U20 Finals to be played in Egypt from the April 27 to May 18, 2025,” reads a statement from EFA.
Meanwhile, Letticia was the Video Assistant Referee on Tuesday’s (April 1, 2025) TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Match between Al Ahly from Egypt and Al Hilal SC from Sudan.
According to cafonline.com, the tournament will feature 13 teams competing for continental glory and four qualification spots for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025.
In Group A, Côte d’Ivoire will take on DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and a second representative from the UNIFFAC region, making it one of the most competitive groups.
Nigeria will play in Group B where they will face former champions Egypt and Morocco as well as South Africa.
Group C sees Senegal begin their title defence against Zambia, Kenya, and Sierra Leone, promising another fiercely contested group.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams. From there, the tournament will proceed in a knockout format, culminating in the final on May 18, 2025.
