Referee Nkhakananga, others appointed to handle World Cup Qualifier for Algeria v Somalia

FIFA has appointed Malawian referee Godfrey Nkhakananga to officiate the World Cup qualifying match between Somalia and Algeria scheduled for October 9, 2025, at the Grand Complex Miloud Hadefi stadium in Oran, Algeria, reports Zodiak Online.

The Group G qualifier is part of the African confederation’s World Cup qualifying campaign, and Nkhakananga’s selection represents a significant achievement for Malawian football officiating on the international stage.

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Nkhakananga will be assisted by fellow Malawian officials Clemence Kanduku and Pondamali Tembo, who will serve as assistant referees for the match.

The appointment continues a busy schedule for the Malawian referee. Last month, Nkhakananga officiated at the COSAFA Under 17 boys’ tournament in Zimbabwe, gaining experience with youth international competition.

On September 20, he was selected to referee the CAF Champions League match between South Africa’s Orlando Pirates and Lesotho’s Lioli FC, further demonstrating his growing reputation within African football circles.

The Somalia versus Algeria qualifier represents high stakes for both nations as they compete for a place in the World Cup finals. Algeria, traditionally one of Africa’s stronger football nations, will be expected to secure victory at home, while Somalia seeks to improve their standing in the group.

Algeria who won the first round 3-1 over Somalia will be looking for a win to book their place at next year’s World Cup as a win will take them to 23 points and it will be beyond the reach of Uganda who are second with 15 points after playing 8 games.

Somalia were eliminated from the World Cup Qualifiers as they have just collected one point from 8 games.