FIFA Appoints Zambian Officials for Key World Cup Qualifier in Morocco

A quartet of Zambian match officials has earned the prestigious assignment of officiating a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

FIFA has selected the team to take charge of the São Tomé e Príncipe vs. Equatorial Guinea clash in Group H.

Veteran referee Hillary Hambaba will lead the team from the center of the pitch for the September 4th fixture. He will be supported on the lines by assistant referees Meck Zulu and Trywell Nyirenda, with Chola Chansa completing the on-field team as the fourth official.

The match will be held at the Stade d’Honneur d’Oujda in Oujda, Morocco, with a 5:00 PM local kickoff. The neutral venue was designated because São Tomé e Príncipe’s facilities do not meet FIFA’s requirements for competitive international matches.

Overseeing the proceedings will be referee assessor Moses Ojwang Osano (Kenya) and match commissioner Eugene Mari Diomandé (Côte d’Ivoire).