Awa Alphonsine Ornella Ilboudo makes history at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations

On August 1, her birthday, Awa Alphonsine Ornella Ilboudo etched her name into the annals of Burkinabe refereeing history. She became the first referee from Burkina Faso to officiate a match during a final stage of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

A historic first for Burkina Faso

Appointed to take charge of the second group C match of the 2026 Women's AFCON between Egypt and Malawi (3-1) in Casablanca, Awa Alphonsine Ilboudo handled her duties with composure and authority.

She has become a national pride. It's the first time a Burkinabe referee has officiated at Africa's most prestigious women's football tournament. This marks a major milestone for women's refereeing in Burkina Faso, opening a new era for the nation's officials and proving that hard work pays off.

An already impressive international journey

A FIFA referee since 2022, Ilboudo has kept busy with major tournaments. She made her debut at the Women's AFCON in 2025, officiating two matches as fourth official. She filled the same role at the 2024 Women's Champions League, working two more games. In the WAFU B region, Awa Ornella Alphonsine Ilboudo has overseen eight matches, including a CAF Women's Champions League qualifying semi-final as center referee in Nigeria in 2023, the opening match and final in Côte d’Ivoire in 2024, plus U17 AFCON qualifiers in Ghana.

This first Women's AFCON match is a major milestone in the budding career of a woman who dreams of officiating at the Women's World Cup.

Alongside her refereeing duties, Awa Ornella Alphonsine Ilboudo also serves in Burkina Faso’s national police. At the end of June 2026, she was promoted to Police Officer.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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Africa Women Cup of Nations