Abongile Tom appointed as VAR in AFCON semi-final clash | OneFootball

Tom to officiate as VAR in AFCON semis

Photo: Abongile Tom

South African referee Abongile Tom has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash between Morocco and Nigeria.

Notably, his compatriot Zakhele Siwela and Lesotho's Souru Phatsoane will be the assistant referees for the highly anticipated showdown.

The two teams will lock horns at Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium on Wednesday, 14 January, with a spot in the deciding match at stake.

Host nation Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0 in the quarter-finals to set up a meeting with the Super Eagles in the last four.

On the other hand, Nigeria eased past Algeria with a similar scoreline and now the Atlas Lions stand in their way of a second consecutive AFCON final.

The three-time African champions last reigned supreme on the continent in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi.

Meanwhile, pressure is on Walid Regragui and his Morocco team, as the North Africans' last and only AFCON triumph dates back to 1976.

It remains to be seen who will advance to the final, where either record seven-time champions Egypt or Senegal will await.