AFCON 2015: Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe named to charge of Ghana clash with Guinea

Zambia referee Janny Sikazwe has been named to take charge of Ghana's quarter-final clash with Guinea at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, GHANAsoccernet.com can reveal.

The top Zambian official will take charge of the match to be played on Sunday in the Equatorial Guinea capital of Malabo.

He will be assisted by Cameroonian Evarist Menkouande and Waleed Ahmed Ali of Sudan in the match to be played at the Estadio de Malabo.

The Black Stars are seeking victory over Guinea to reach their fifth semi-final berth in Africa's flagship tournament after topping the Group of Death which involved Algeria, Senegal and South Africa.

Guinea were lucky to have secured the clash against Ghana after the lottery of a draw was made to decide between them and Mali following their tie on the Group D table.

Fairness from the Kapiri Mposhi-based Sikazwe will be crucial of the Black Stars are to advance and he emphasized few months that referees play an important role in the development of football.

He said referees should endeavour to remain professional because they are the key factor in every game.

“We play a cardinal role in the development of the game. There has never been any game played without a referee. We are just as important like anybody involved in the game that is why we need to be professional in our work,” the 36-year old said.

Sikazwe, who is recognized as one of Africa's talented referees, was appointed to officiate important games like the Africa Cup qualifiers and said it is a privilege.

“It always feels good to be recognised internationally. Africa Cup qualifying games are just as important as the final tournament itself. We are privileged to have such an opportunity,” he said.

Sikazwe is well known to Ghanaians as he was the fourth official when Ghana defeated South Africa 2-1 on Tuesday to top Group C in Mongomo.

He has officiated several matches involving Ghana and was in charge when Local Black Stars defeated Nigeria in the semi-final of the CHAN tournament last year but sent off Ghana defender Kwabena Adusei in the match.

He has shown 159 yellow cards and eight red cards from his 45 international matches for Caf and FIFA.