Referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho from Gabon has been appointed to officiate the second Group B game between Ghana and Egypt in the ongoing 2023 AFCON.
Atcho brings notable experience to the match, having previously officiated in two World Cup qualifiers, nine CAF Champions League matches, and eight CAF Confederation Cup games. In September 2023, he also refereed the CAF Super Cup clash between El Ahly and USM Alger.
Known for his strict officiating style, Atcho issued 39 yellow cards in the nine CAF Champions League games he oversaw. His last encounter with the Black Stars was in June 2022, resulting in a draw against the Central African Republic.
However, Ghanaian fans can take solace in the fact that Atcho’s first match with Ghana in October 2021 ended in a 3-1 victory against Zimbabwe in a World Cup qualifier.
After the recent match against Cape Verde, some fans expressed dissatisfaction with referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo’s decisions, particularly regarding a disallowed goal by Majeed Ashimeru and a denied penalty.
As the focus shifts to the Ghana-Egypt clash, fans will be hopeful for fair and accurate officiating.