Malawi’s Eness Gumbo Earns WAFCON 2026 VAR Appointment

 

Malawian referee Eness Gumbo has reached another significant milestone in her officiating career after being selected as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Match Official for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco next month.

According to the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), Gumbo will first attend the second WAFCON preparation course in Cairo, Egypt, from June 25 to 30, 2026, as part of the build-up to the continental tournament.

Her appointment places her among the continent’s trusted match officials for Africa’s premier women’s football competition, which will also feature Malawi’s national women’s team, the Scorchers.

Gumbo is one of Malawi’s leading female referees and has consistently officiated high-profile matches, including fixtures in the FDH Bank Premiership.

Her selection is a boost for Malawian football officiating and highlights the growing recognition of the country’s referees on the continental stage.

By Knoxy Kam'mwamba