Burundi-born Cynthia Ishimwe inked her name in the history books on Monday after becoming the first female to referee at an Africa Cup of Nations beach soccer tournament.

Ishimwe achieved the feat yesterday when she took charge of the group stage match between Senegal and Madagascar at the ongoing CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Mozambique.

The body governing football in Africa celebrated Ishimwe in a press release.

“Cynthia Ishimwe makes history as first woman to officiate at Beach Soccer AFCON. Burundi-born Cynthia Ishimwe has made history by being the first woman to referee a match at the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations. 

“Ishimwe was one of the match officials at the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Mozambique 2022 fixture between Senegal and Madagascar in Vilankulo on Monday afternoon, 24 October 2022,” part of the statement said.

CAF Head of Refereeing and Football Technology, Noumandiez Doue, said the historic moment is of great significance and will open doors for other women to officiate in the Beach game.

“We are all proud of what Cynthia has achieved. It is a massive step in the right direction. This is a significant moment because it not only opens doors for other women match officials in Beach Soccer in Africa, it sets the trend globally.”

Meanwhile, the tournament which began on Friday October 21, has now reached its semifinals stage. Host’s Mozambique will face Senegal in the first semifinal fixture while Morocco will lock horns with Egypt in the second semifinal fixture.