By Biwah Bryan As the 2023 African Nations Cup approaches, some of Africa's most celebrated referees will not be among the 68 referees selected by the Confederation of African Football due to their retirement. Gambia's Bakary Gassama, who famously officiated the Cameroon match which qualified them for the 2022 World Cup and also officiated in two World Cup editions and the 2014 AFCON finals, retired in December 2023, just days before the competition. Cameroonian Sidi Alioum, who officiated in two World Cups and the Afcon 2019 finals, also retired in December 2023, while South African Victor Gomes, who officiated in the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Afcon finals, also retired in December 2022. Janny Sikazwe, who is highly recognized for the Mali-Tunisia Afcon game and officiated in two World Cups and the Afcon 2017 finals, retired in December 2022. The competition will feature 68 referees in three different categories, including 30 as Assistant Referees, 26 as Central Referees and 12 as Video Assistant Ref erees. Source: Cameroon News Agency Reverend Ezekiel Naasu, the Sokode-Lokoe District Pastor of the Church of Pentecost, has asked Christians not to be afraid as God is with them. Delivering his message at the Christmas Convention on Sunday at Sokode-Lokoe in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region, he said they should not let their hearts be troubled. 'There is peace on earth to God chosen ones and they shall not be the last, but winners,' the District Pastor said. 'Peace is progress, and you shall not die in poverty as you believe in Jesus Christ.' 'Jesus is born, and He is the Savior, Messiah and the anointed one.' Rev. Naasu said goodness and mercy shall follow those who believed in Christ and generation to generation would continue to mention their names. The convention is on the theme: 'Glory to God in the Highest, Peace on Earth to His Chosen People'. Source: Ghana News Agency
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