A synergy of wit & bold calls: The Twin Referees at WAFCON 2024
Former footballers now turning heads as referees
Pair building legacy to inspire generations
Football does more than meets the eye. The stories behind every whistle and call are steeped in beautiful tales that stick like glue, and age like fine wine.
At the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, two women from Rwanda have not just stuck as a pair, they've added layers of allure and feel that is striking.
Twins Aline Umutoni and Alice Umutesi are living the dream and mirror intentional synergy, strength and sisterhood.
In the quiet valleys and green hills of Rwanda, where resilience echoes in every breath and every heartbeat tells a story of rebirth, these two sisters have risen. Theirs is a tale of storied grace, grit and glory.
Their dominance, is not merely reflections of each other, but as beacons of hope. Aline and Alice are not just twins by birth, but twin flames in the world of African Football officiating, dominating a sport that few decades ago was a no-go-area for women.
Their journey began on familiar fields, laced with childhood dreams and teenage tenacity. 'I remember when we were just in Germany with the national team,' Aline recalls, her voice a nostalgic brushstroke on the canvas of memory. What was once a playground became a proving ground; what started as a love for the game transformed into a deep vocation to interpret, protect, and elevate it.
Their roles are distinct yet complementary, Aline, the central referee, presiding with poised authority; Alice, the assistant referee, scanning every inch of the pitch with an eagle eye and unwavering discipline. 'Yes, our styles are different,' Alice affirms. 'She's in the center. I'm on the flank. But we move with the same heart.'
The two have always shared more than just DNA. Their journey into football officiating wasn't just a career choice, it was a reflection of their bond.
'Because we are real twins, if she likes something, I have to like it too. It's mandatory,' said Aline, with a laugh that punctuates their sibling dynamic.
But sharing the same ambition also required compromise. Initially, both trained as central referees until their Coach Mbake offered them advice that would later prove useful.
'He told us, 'Alice, if you stay as a referee, and Aline also stays as a referee, it's as if you are competing,'' Alice recalled. 'So we decided Aline would stay as central referee, and I'd work as an assistant.'
That decision wasn't just practical, it aligned with their personalities. 'I chose to be the central referee because I'm bossy. Secondly, I'm responsible. I like to make decisions,' said Aline. Alice quickly adds, 'But you're a little shy', to which Aline replied: 'I'm not shy on the pitch.'
The pair add that given the nature of football, they've had to make room for critcism as that was the only way they could grow. 'Of course we criticize each other,' Alice admits 'That's how we grow. That's how we get better.'
Aline agrees, unapologetically candid: 'We tell each other the truth. And when the truth brings change, we embrace it. Then life goes on.'
'…If you work according to the law,' Alice says firmly, 'you stay strong and keep working. That's it.'
'Her mistakes are my mistakes,' said Alice. 'So if she makes mistakes, I have to criticize her to correct her next time. It's for our own good.' Aline nodded in agreement.
The two carry Rwanda proudly on their shoulders, not as a cross to bear, but as a beautiful badge of honour. As the only set of twin referees in a major continental tournament in recent memory, they represent a profound national and symbolic significance.
'It's good when you represent your country,' said Aline. 'So we're very proud to represent Rwanda.'
'To represent your country as twins,' Alice says, 'is a pleasure. We are very, very proud.'
And they've earned that pride. Aline's greatest moment? Standing tall at the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Morocco 2024, officiating a match between Botswana and Nigeria. 'So much was going on,' she reflects. 'But we managed. And I was very happy.'
But behind the polished boots and sharp whistles is a story of transition and transformation. Before refereeing, they were players. And when their days with the ball at their feet began to fade, they chose not to walk away but to launch deeper into football – a love affair that is unwavering.
'In life, you must have a goal,' Aline explains. 'Ours was to stay in football. So we trained, we committed. And now, we are here.'
'At first, we just had the goal to work, to get far, to stay in the field of sport. That's why we worked a lot, we did a lot of training. And here we are today,' Alice re-echoed Aline's thoughts.
Off the pitch, their personalities blossom in simpler expressions. On a good day, when the whistles are silent and the pressure momentarily subsides, their sense of fashion is evident; the pair love dresses, the flowing and elegant type that allows them to be as expressive as they can. 'From the top down,' Alice says, 'it's about what one wants to have.
'But there are times when I choose a dress, she says, no, I'm going to wear a jacket. No, I say no, Aline. Today, it's a dress.'
In an age where representation matters more than ever, Aline and Alice stand as radiant symbols not just of women in sport, but of what happens when discipline dances with passion, when family fuels ambition, and when dreams, though born in quiet corners, echo across continents.
Their unique pairing often means they are assigned to matches together, something both find comforting and empowering. 'That's the advantage for us,' Alice said. 'We play the same matches, we travel together.'
To young girls who believe the field belongs only to men, Alice has this to say: 'Refereeing is not only for men. We are women, and we are here. You can earn a living. You can buy a house. You can help orphans. You can do everything. The field is yours. For us, refereeing is life.'
As they take to the field over the course of the WAFCON and beyond, they represent the unique African woman's trait of tenacity and sheer determination.
Rwandan Pride. Aline and Alice.
Not for Self, But for Others – A Life of Service, Sacrifice and Higher Calling.
Aline and Alice will officiate in the Algeria Vs. Ghana Quarter-Finals match on Saturday, 19 July at 16:00 GMT
Further Inquiries: communications@cafonline.com
CAF | Communication Department
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
21 hours ago
- CAF
Nigeria produce stunning comeback to beat Morocco and win 10th WAFCON title
Nigeria staged an extraordinary second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and lift their 10th TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday night. Trailing 2-0 at half-time in front of a partisan Moroccan crowd, the Super Falcons showed their pedigree and resilience, clawing their way back into the match with a display of clinical finishing and sheer determination to cement their status as queens of African football. Goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner by Joe Echegini overturned Morocco's strong first-half lead, stunning the Atlas Lionesses who were hoping to clinch their first-ever continental title on home soil. The final had all the ingredients of a classic: a host nation looking to crown a golden generation with history, and Africa's most successful women's side eager to reaffirm their dominance. Morocco got off to a dream start. With just 12 minutes on the clock, captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from outside the box, curling the ball low past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The home crowd erupted, sensing history in the making. Things got even better for the Atlas Lionesses in the 24th minute when Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled Morocco's lead. A slick pass from Ibtissam Jraidi found Mssoudy in space, and the forward made no mistake with a composed finish into the bottom right corner. Nigeria appeared stunned and went into the break trailing by two goals, facing an uphill battle. But coach Justin Madugu's half-time talk sparked a spirited response from the Super Falcons. The comeback began just after the hour mark when a VAR review handed Nigeria a lifeline. A handball by Nouhaila Benzina resulted in a penalty, which was coolly dispatched by Okoronkwo to make it 2-1. From that moment, momentum swung Nigeria's way. In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, slipping a neat ball into the path of Ijamilusi, who drilled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner to bring Nigeria level. With the match heading towards extra time, Nigeria found the winner. A well-worked set-piece situation saw Esther Okoronkwo once again involved, delivering a clever assist to Joe Echegini, who calmly slotted home in the 88th minute to seal a dramatic turnaround. Despite late pressure and a flurry of Moroccan attacks, the Super Falcons held firm through a tense final few minutes of stoppage time. It was a heartbreaking end for Jorge Vilda's Morocco side, who had impressed throughout the tournament and were bidding to become only the second nation ever to lift the WAFCON trophy after Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. But the night belonged to the Super Falcons, whose experience, depth and never-say-die spirit propelled them to yet another African title — their 10th in 13 editions. Nigeria's triumph not only extended their unmatched legacy on the continent but also served as a resounding statement that, even in the face of rising challengers, they remain the team to beat in African women's football.
CAF
2 days ago
- CAF
Halimatu Ayinde: From Northern Nigeria's Streets to anchoring Super Falcons' Mission X quest
In the conservative neighbourhoods of Kaduna in northern Nigeria, girls were expected to marry young not chase football dreams but Halimatu Ayinde was never one to follow convention. From sneaking out to play barefoot with boys in secret, to now patrolling the midfield for Nigeria's Super Falcons with silent authority, her story is one of defiance, faith, and resilience. At the 2024 TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the calm, composed Ayinde has once again emerged as the heartbeat of a Nigerian team that blends experience with hunger. With every tackle, interception, and line-breaking pass, Ayinde embodies the spirit of a player who plays for more than herself—for her family, her community, and the girls in the north who now dare to dream because of her. As she leads Nigeria into yet another WAFCON final going up against hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday, her voice reveals a journey forged in struggle and sustained by purpose. WAFCON 2024: Redemption, Unity and Belief Nigeria's unbeaten run to the WAFCON 2024 final has been driven not just by talent but by tactical maturity and emotional togetherness—values Ayinde represents on and off the pitch. 'The experience has been great with the fact that we have been winning from the beginning. Everyone has been working really hard and making efforts to get the results. That's a very good start for the team and has brought us to where we are now.' She views this campaign as a statement after the Super Falcons' last continental disappointment. 'I would say yes, we've changed the perception. During the last tournament, almost every Nigerian had written us off. But now that we are back, winning games and in the final, I think that has changed the narratives. We are back as the giant of Africa.' With four wins and a draw so far, the Falcons look well-tuned and Ayinde knows what it takes to go all the way. 'Almost all the teams we have played are very technical. We won against them, but everything has been good. This final is not going to be different. We are going to stick together as a team and fight for each other.' Forged in Fire: Injury, Comeback and Club Success Ayinde's brilliance today is built on deep personal struggle. Two ACL injuries inside 24 months threatened to end her rise, but she responded with fierce determination. At FC Rosengård in Sweden, she found both a home and a proving ground. 'The second Damallsvenskan title was the best for me because I participated from the beginning—from preseason, Cup games, and friendlies. It was huge for me because when I joined in August 2022, I had just recovered from that ACL injury. I didn't play that much initially. The second title was more special because I contributed almost throughout.' Rehabilitation took more than physical strength, it took spiritual grounding and mental discipline. 'It wasn't easy to do another surgery in the space of two years—it's heartbreaking. The rehab entirely—the training, having to think of getting back or not, and what the future looked like—those negative thoughts really weighed me down. But with the help of the people around me, I was able to fight those thoughts and be positive until I got better again.' Adapting Through Change: Coaching, Tactics, and Growth Having worked under both foreign and local managers, Ayinde appreciates the nuances of leadership and applauds current coach Justin Madugu for unlocking the team's true potential. 'Every coach has their style. Randy was a good tactician who wanted to keep the ball and play around, but African football is not all about that. When you know your strengths, you have to use them. That is what Madugu is doing now, and it's really paying off.' She credits Madugu for uniting the squad and building trust across the roster. 'The change is that he has carried everyone along and given everybody the opportunity to showcase themselves. That brings energy and positivity into the camp. He doesn't just focus on his starting eleven—he brings others close, talks to and encourages them.' Ayinde's role has also grown beyond the pitch she mentors younger players and maintains the team's mental stability. 'I always try to give my best and adapt to whatever pattern the coaches bring. With the experience I have, I try to help the younger players settle and excel.' Roots and Resistance: Breaking the Mould in Northern Nigeria Born in Northern Nigeria city of Kaduna, to a Yoruba father and an Igbo mother, Ayinde has grown into one of Africa's most consistent and combative midfielders. Her unique heritage reflects the multicultural blend of strength and resilience that defines her game. Born into a culture where girls were expected to abandon sport early, Ayinde's path to stardom was paved with resistance, especially from her own siblings. 'Growing up in northern Nigeria is not that easy because they don't believe that a girl child should play football. From my family, my parents were supportive, but my brothers didn't want me to play. I was stubborn and didn't listen. 'Sometimes I would sneak out to play with boys and they would beat me when I returned. Eventually, they gave up and started supporting me.' Her story resonates now more than ever, as she actively empowers others through grassroots outreach. 'I've been doing that for two to three years now because I really want to give back to the community. I try to promote grassroots football in the North. I'm getting support from the state government, and it's helping young girls who want to play professionally and pursue their dreams.' Legacy and Leadership: Playing for Something Bigger With over a decade in the national team and several trophies in her cabinet, Ayinde's drive today is not just to win, it's to inspire, uplift, and lead by example. 'I always try to mentor young players with the little knowledge I have. I talk to them during training and matches. I think they appreciate it—it's up to them to use what I tell them.' Ayinde's Character and Quality Earns Praise from Peers and Coaches Few understand the essence of Halimatu Ayinde's game better than former Super Falcons midfielder and long-time teammate, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, who currently suits up for Canadian club Ottawa Rapid. Reflecting on nearly a decade of playing alongside Ayinde for Nigeria, Okobi described their on-field relationship as instinctive and intelligent. 'We had a perfect combination. We've got good understanding and we're both intelligent with the ball. She has always been the pillar of the midfield—strong, tough, and fast,' Okobi-Okeoghene told from her base in Canada. Their partnership, forged in high-stakes competitions, formed the backbone of Nigeria's midfield across multiple international tournaments, recounting Ayinde's resilience in overcoming serious injuries, including two knee surgeries in three years. 'I'm 100% satisfied and very happy for her. Seeing her work this hard after two knee surgeries—the most recent just a year ago—makes me super proud,' she said. For Okobi, Ayinde is more than just a teammate, she's a role model. 'Yes, and even more successful. For the young ones, Halimatu should be a role model. She's a fighter and very hardworking. My message to her is simple: keep working hard as usual.' Echoing that praise from Sweden is FC Rosengård head coach Joel Kjetselberg, who has seen Ayinde's influence up close at club level, especially in their 2024 Damallsvenskan title win. 'It has been great to see Hali be such an important part of Nigeria's AFCON tournament so far. She has been outstanding for her national team,' he remarked, in chat with 'Hali plays with so much composure and control that you can rely on her in so many ways on the pitch. I'm really proud and glad to see her doing so well, but it comes with no surprise.' Kjetselberg added, 'She is a very important player in our squad, and I know I can rely on her to do whatever job we need. She is a fantastic person. We wish her all the best for the final and look forward to having her back with us soon.' As Nigeria aim to lift yet another historic continental title, one thing is certain, the Super Falcons' rhythm flows through the boots of their midfield trojan.
CAF
2 days ago
- CAF
Ghana edge South Africa on penalties to clinch WAFCON bronze
Published: Friday, 25 July 2025 Ghana held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to defeat South Africa and claim the bronze medal at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca on Friday night. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, the Black Queens triumphed 4-3 in the shootout at Stade Larbi Zaouli to seal third place in the tournament. It was a fitting end to a thrilling encounter between two fierce rivals with a history of closely contested matches at WAFCON. For Ghana, this was not just revenge for the 2-0 defeat to South Africa in the group stage, but also a repeat of their bronze medal feat in 2016—again against Banyana Banyana. South Africa struck first through Nonhlanhla Mthandi just before the break. Her crisp right-footed strike from outside the box in the 45th minute gave Banyana the lead and capped a dominant first-half performance. Ghana, however, responded with energy after the interval and found a deserved equaliser in the 68th minute, albeit in fortuitous fashion. A de fensive mix-up saw goalkeeper Andile Dlamini credited with an own goal after deflecting a blocked header from Alice Kusi into her own net. Both sides had chances to win it late in regulation time. Ghana's Evelyn Badu hit the crossbar deep into stoppage time, while South Africa's Linda Motlhalo forced Cynthia Konlan into a smart save minutes earlier. With the scores level at full-time, the match headed to penalties. Konlan proved to be Ghana's heroine, saving crucial spot-kicks from Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni to tilt the balance in her side's favour. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah had earlier se en her effort saved by South Africa's Dlamini, but Ghana recovered thanks to composed finishes from Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh. Jermaine Seoposenwe and Linda Motlhalo converted for South Africa, but the reigning champions fell short and left Morocco empty-handed, having missed out on the final and now the bronze medal as well. It marked a spirited comeback by Kim Björkegren's Black Queens, who entered the tournament as underdogs but leave with tangible proof of their resurgence on the continental stage. For South Africa, the result will sting. Desiree Ellis's side, crowned champions in 2022, had hoped to add a consolation medal to their cabinet. Instead, they return home needing to rebuild with younger players likely to take centre stage in the next cycle. As the final whistle blew on a tense evening in Casablanca, it was Ghana's players and staff who danced with joy— pride restored, and revenge sweetly served.
