Algerian referee to handle Ghana-Angola clash

Luanda, Angola, Jan. 24, GNA - The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Algerian referee Benouza Mohamed for the quarter-final clash involving hosts Angola and Ghana's Black Stars.

The two team will face-off in the first quarter-final clash of the 27th edition of the continent's biggest football spectacle on Sunday, January 24 at the November 11 Stadium in Luanda.

Information gathered by GNA Sports from the CAF Secretariat has it that the 37-year old businessman will direct affairs from the middle during the crucial clash billed for the 50,000-capacity sports edifice in the Angolan capital.

Benouza widely regarded as Algeria's finest 'Knight of the Whistle' has officiated in series of high profile games since attaining his FIFA badge in 2001.

Incidentally, he was the one who officiated the quarter-final clash involving Ghana's Black Stars and the Super Eagles of Nigeria during the last edition of the tournament held in Ghana in 2008.

The referee is fondly remembered for sending off then captain John Mensah, which ruled the defensive pillar out of the semi-final clash that led to the eventual loss of the team to the finalists Cameroon.

Benouza has also officiated at the 2003 and 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in United Arab Emirates and Canada respectively, Egypt 2006 Africa Cup of Nations and was also at the centre during the CAF Champions League final between Etoile du Sahel and Enyimba in 2004.

He will be assisted on the lines by Abdel Naby Nasser of Egypt and Eritrean Ogbamariam Angesson.

The veteran Codjia Koffi will act as the fourth referee. The meeting is the first ever between the two teams at the biennial championship.