Egyptian referee Mahmoud Wafa Mohamed has been appointed to officiate the crucial Group D encounter between Ghana and South Africa at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Wednesday evening.

The decisive fixture, which could determine qualification to the knockout stage and the FIFA U17 World Cup later this year, is expected to attract significant attention as both sides battle for a positive result.

CAF confirmed that Tunisian official Yassine Saadaoui will serve as Assistant Referee One, while Egyptian Soliman Mohamed Magdy takes up the role of Assistant Referee Two.

Cameroonian referee Willy Stephane Ngah has been named as the fourth referee for the game, while Mahamed Alteer of Libya will serve as the Reserve Assistant Referee.

The Match Commissioner for the encounter will be Negash Negassi of Eritrea, with Paulin Samuel appointed as the referees assessor.

The Black Starlets head into the game determined to bounce back following their narrow defeat to Senegal in the previous group match.

Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum and his players have intensified preparations ahead of the all-important fixture, knowing victory could secure Ghana’s place at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

South Africa is also expected to provide a stern challenge in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two ambitious sides chasing progression at the continental championship.