1xBet AFCON: Profile of Beninese referee for crucial Uganda vs Nigeria clash

Beninese referee Djindo Louis Houngnandande has been appointed to officiate the crucial Group C match between Uganda and Nigeria at the ongoing 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations.

The 38-year-old official was selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to handle the high-pressure encounter, which could determine qualification from the group.

Born on August 25, 1985, Houngnandande is regarded as one of Africa’s calm and experienced referees. He has officiated eight FIFA World Cup qualifying matches across the continent.

In those games, he issued 28 yellow cards, one second yellow that led to a dismissal, and no straight red cards, showing his preference for managing matches with control rather than harsh decisions.

This will be the second time Houngnandande is handling a match involving both Nigeria and Uganda. He previously officiated a friendly between the two teams in November 2018, which ended in a goalless draw without major controversy.

Uganda are also familiar with the Beninese referee in competitive matches.

He once handled the Cranes during an AFCON qualifying game against South Sudan, which Uganda lost 1-0. Despite the loss, there were no serious complaints about his officiating.

Houngnandande also has experience at club level. In January 2021, he officiated a CAF competition match between Nigeria’s Enyimba and Sudanese side Al Merrikh, which Enyimba won 2-1.

At the current AFCON tournament, the referee attracted attention after Zambia’s coach, Avram Grant, blamed him in part for Zambia’s early exit. During Zambia’s group match against Tanzania, Houngnandande sent off defender Rodrick Kabwe and issued four yellow cards. Grant later claimed the decisions affected his team’s campaign.

Away from refereeing decisions, Houngnandande has also been noted for having one of the longest surnames among officials at the tournament, a light-hearted detail that has amused some AFCON followers.

As Uganda and Nigeria prepare for their decisive Group C clash, attention will be on both teams and the referee in charge. With his experience and calm approach, Houngnandande is expected to ensure the match is decided by football, not controversy.