AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: CAF appoints a Mozambican referee for the Togo - Burundi match

Togo will host Burundi on the opening day of Group I of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This match is scheduled for 25 September 2026 at the Kégué stadium in Togo.

But with one month to go before kick-off, the Confederation of African Football has appointed the officials for this opening match. The governing body of African football has appointed Mozambican Celso Armindo Alvação as the centre referee.

This will not be the Mozambican international referee’s first time officiating at a continental tournament. He is a regular at major African and international football events.

Celso Armindo Alvação has officiated on several occasions in the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup. The Mozambican has also refereed matches in the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

For the match on 25 September between Togo and Burundi, Celso Armindo Alvação will be assisted by Arsenio Chadreque Maringule and Zacarias Horacio Baloi. Simões Bernardo Guambe will serve as the fourth official.