There are many factors that determine the outcome of a football match. From the players, coaches, fans and most importantly, the match officials, the fate of a team is decided by several. 39-year-old Motswana referee Joshua Bondo who will officiate Uganda’s game against Ghana in Group D opening game at the Port-Gentil Stadium.
Bondo started as a football player for his local club Hartlepool FC in the third division of the Selebi-Phikwe region.
In a 2001 game while still at his local club, he got so angry with the referee and decided to quit playing football and become a referee.
His career of refereeing started in the lower leagues where he promisingly got gradual rise up to where he is now.
Bondo was once voted best referee in 2007 Africa U17 tournament that was held in Namibia. This will be his first appearance at AFCON Final tournament after officiating a series of qualification games.
Bondo will be assisted on the lines by Algerian referee Abdelhak Etchiali and Oliver Safari Kabene from Congo DR.
The match kicks off at 7pm.