Monrovia – The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has announced that Liberian referee Emmanuel Mensah has been selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate at the upcoming 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
By Christopher C. Walker [email protected] | 0777898224
The tournament, scheduled to run from May 13 to June 2, 2026, will showcase Africa’s premier youth football talent as teams compete for continental glory and a spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Mensah is among 23 center referees selected by CAF for the prestigious competition, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
The 2026 TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations is the 16th official edition of the biennial tournament. Sixteen national teams will participate, with the top-performing nations securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Mensah’s appointment comes just a year after he was selected by CAF as a match official for the 2025 U-20 AFCON in Egypt, a feat widely regarded as a breakthrough for Liberian officiating on the continental stage.
Local football stakeholders believe his consistent rise within the CAF ranks reflects a growing confidence in Liberian match officials and an improvement in the country’s officiating standards.
In a statement, the LFA congratulated Mensah on his selection and reaffirmed its dedication to developing local talent.
“The LFA remains committed to supporting referees, ensuring fair play, integrity, and professionalism at all levels of the game,” the association noted.
Mensah’s selection is expected to bolster Liberia’s presence in international football and serve as an inspiration for young referees aspiring to reach the global stage.
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