The Confédération africaine de football (CAF) has officially released the roster of match officials invited to the preparatory workshop for the upcoming U17 Africa Cup of Nations. This training phase is a crucial step before the final list of referees is confirmed for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Maroc from May 13 to June 2.
In this preliminary selection, El Hadj Amadou Sy is the only representative from Sénégal. Following the conclusion of this preparation stage, CAF will finalize the group of officials who will preside over the matches during the CAN U17 in Maroc. Having earned his FIFA international referee badge in 2019, El Hadj Amadou Sy continues to demonstrate his professional growth. Originally from Saint-Louis, he began his officiating career in the “navétanes” tournaments, starting with the cadet category before rising through the senior ranks and eventually establishing himself in the professional leagues of Sénégal.
Sy is well-acquainted with high-level continental football, having previously served as an official during the 2023 CAN U20 and the most recent edition of the CAN U17. Historically, Sénégal has often been represented by several referees or even a full officiating trio at these events. However, for this preparatory phase, El Hadj Amadou Sy will be the sole individual carrying the Senegalese flag, with the goal of making the final cut to represent his nation alongside the Senegalese U17 team.
Regarding other participating nations, Algérie, Cameroun, RD Congo, Maroc, Zambie, and Afrique du Sud are among the most represented, each sending three officials to the workshop. Other countries, such as Tunisie, Mali, Nigeria, and Égypte, have two referees included in the current list.
