By LM-Mogadishu, 17th January 2024- Omar Abdulkadir Artan achieved a historic milestone on Tuesday night as he became the first Somali referee to officiate in the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
His debut on the continental stage came during the high-stakes Group E opener between Tunisia and Namibia, marking a significant moment not only for him but for Somalia’s presence in international football.
The 30-year-old, renowned for his sharp decision-making and authoritative control on the field, has rapidly ascended the ranks of African football referees.
Since his commencement in the CAF games in 2020, he has developed a reputation as one of Africa’s finest young referees.
The match between Tunisia and Namibia, which saw Namibia winger Deon Hotto scoring the only goal in the 88th minute, was not just a display of football prowess but also of exceptional officiating.
Artan, with his keen eye and fair judgment, ensured a smooth and just game, upholding the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the match.
