Nigerian referee Yemisi Akintoye will take charge of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Algeria and Malawi at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in another significant assignment at her debut continental tournament.
The match is scheduled for 6pm Nigerian time, with the winner advancing to the final of the tournament being staged in Morocco.
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The appointment represents a notable progression for Akintoye, who has already been trusted with two roles during the competition.
She previously served as fourth official for the opening fixture between Algeria and Kenya before refereeing the Group A meeting between Senegal and Kenya on July 30.
Her elevation to a semi-final appointment places the Nigerian official at the centre of one of the tournament’s decisive matches.
The assignment also comes as Malawi continue a remarkable campaign at their maiden WAFCON appearance. The Scorchers entered the tournament alongside defending champions Nigeria, Zambia and Egypt in Group C.
Malawi made an immediate impression by defeating Nigeria 3-2 in their opening group match, with Temwa Chawinga scoring twice and Tabitha Chawinga also finding the net.
That historic result underlined Malawi’s competitive credentials and set the tone for a campaign that has now taken the team into the last four.
For Akintoye, the semi-final represents a further opportunity to demonstrate the quality and composure expected from officials operating at the highest level of African women’s football.
The second semi-final will feature hosts Morocco against Cameroon at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Togolese referee Vincentia Enyonam has been appointed to officiate that encounter, which is scheduled for 9pm Nigerian time.
Both matches carry added significance as the tournament moves towards its conclusion, with the two winners securing places in the final.
Akintoye’s growing involvement is therefore a positive moment for Nigerian officiating, particularly as she makes her first appearance at Africa’s premier women’s international tournament.
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With the pressure of a semi-final now before her, Yemisi Akintoye will be expected to provide a calm and authoritative presence as Algeria and Malawi compete for a place in the WAFCON final.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
