Awa Alphonsine Ornella Ilboudo makes history at Women's AFCON 2026

On August 1st, her birthday, Awa Alphonsine Ornella Ilboudo made history in Burkinabè refereeing. She became the first referee from Burkina Faso to officiate a match in the final stage of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

A historic first for Burkina Faso

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

She has become a source of national pride. This is the first time a Burkinabè referee has officiated at the continent's premier women's football tournament. It also marks a major milestone for women's refereeing in Burkina Faso. This breakthrough opens a new chapter for Burkinabè referees and proves that dedication pays off.

An already impressive international career

A FIFA referee since 2022, Ilboudo has been racking up appointments at major tournaments. She made her debut at the Women's AFCON in 2025, serving as fourth official in two matches. In the same role, she also discovered the Women's Champions League in 2024, overseeing two fixtures. In the WAFU B zone, Awa Ornella Alphonsine Ilboudo has officiated eight matches, including a CAF Women's Champions League qualifying semi-final as the main referee in Nigeria in 2023, as well as the opening game and the final in Côte d'Ivoire in 2024, plus the qualifiers for the men's U17 AFCON in Ghana.

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

Alongside her refereeing career, Awa Ornella Alphonsine Ilboudo also serves in Burkina Faso's national police. At the end of June 2026, she earned her stripes as a 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