Experienced continental referee Badara Diatta has been named to take charge of Ghana's decisive clash against Niger in Monday’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations match on Monday.
The performance of the strict Senegalese official will be key in the game in Port Elizabeth as the young Black Stars squad will come up against the Menas.
The Nigeriens have been very physical in their approach to the game since the tournament started in South Africa over one week ago.
Diatta’s spotting of the expected fouls against the frail Black Stars will be key with the Ghanaians taking their set pieces very seriously in this tournament.
He will be assisted by compatriot Camara Djibril and Mozambican Arsenio Marengula with Rajindraparsad Seechurn of Mauritius serving as the fourth official.
Diatta, 44, a veteran of four Africa Cup of Nations; 2006 (Egypt), 2008 (Ghana), 2010 (Angola) and 2012 (Gabon and Equatorial Guinea) is probably making his last appearance at the flagship African football tournament.
A teacher by profession, he is a member of the CAF Elite Referees Panel and handled the final game involving Cote d’Ivoire and Zambia at the last tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
The Senegalese was in charge of the Black Stars' 7-0 triumph over Lesotho during the famous 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Baba Yara Stadium last September characterized by long hold-up due to power failure.
Diatta showed John Mensah the red card at last Africa Cup of Nations.