Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida for Cameroon-Morocco quarter finals

After consultations to address lingering concerns around officiating standards, the Confederation of African Football has finally confirmed the referees for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter final fixtures. The appointments follow a high-level meeting aimed at restoring confidence and ensuring consistency as the tournament enters its decisive phase.

One of the standout assignments sees Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida take charge of the heavyweight quarter final clash between Cameroon and Morocco, scheduled for Friday January 9, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat. Beida will be supported by an experienced officiating team, including assistants Jerson Emiliano Dos Santos and Ivanildo Meirelles de Oliveira Sanches, with Styven Moutsassi Moyo also on duty. Mahmood Ali Mahmood Ismail has been named as fourth official.

CAF has also reinforced the importance of video technology for the knockout games, appointing Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea as the Video Assistant Referee for the Cameroon versus Morocco encounter. He will be assisted by Haythem Guirat and Babacar Sarr, while René Daniel Louzaya serves as referee assessor. The composition of the team reflects CAF’s intention to blend experience and regional balance.

With these appointments now confirmed, attention shifts back to the football itself. CAF officials believe the clarity provided by the latest decisions will help lower tensions, sharpen focus, and allow the quarter finals to be decided by performances on the pitch rather than controversies off it.