Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been selected to officiate the high-stakes final of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, set for Friday, August 7 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
The appointment comes just months after the highly regarded official made headlines when he was unexpectedly omitted from the officiating panel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Artan’s regional assignment was officially confirmed by the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) on Sunday, August 2.
Welcoming the decision, CECAFA President Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam praised Artan as a flagship figure for continental officiating, stating that his presence reflects the growing standard of refereeing within East Africa and highlighting the region’s pride in his international accomplishments.
The 2025 CAF Men’s Best Referee will not be working alone for the Kagame Cup showpiece, Artan will lead an experienced trio alongside Kenyan assistant referee Stephen Yiembe and Djibouti’s Liban Abdulrazack.
Notably, CECAFA’s selection mirrors the exact officiating team slated to take charge of the upcoming 2026 UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg, Austria, on Wednesday, August 12, where UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will face UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa.
The refereeing team is scheduled to land in Kigali on Tuesday, August 4, coinciding with the Kagame Cup semi-final fixtures.
After an intense week of group-stage battles, the tournament has been narrowed down to four remaining contenders: Kenyan powerhouse Gor Mahia, Sudanese giants Al Hilal, South Sudan’s Jamus FC, and Rwandan hosts Rayon Sports.
The semi-final double-header at the Amahoro Stadium promises thrilling action.
Gor Mahia will square off against Al Hilal in the early kick-off at 4pm EAT, followed by a night clash between Jamus FC and Rayon Sports at 8pm EAT.
Beyond continental prestige and regional bragging rights, substantial financial rewards remain on the line.
The eventual tournament champions will walk away with US$30,000 (approx. Sh3.8 million) in prize money, while the runners-up will collect US$20,000 (approx. Sh2.5 million), and the third place will take home US$10,000 (approx. Sh1.28 million).
