AT the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, two women from Rwanda have not just stuck as a pair, they’ve added layers of allure and feel that is striking.
Twins Aline Umutoni and Alice Umutesi are living the dream and mirror intentional synergy, strength and sisterhood.
Former footballers now commanding the games as referees, are both flying high at WAFCON 2024.
“I remember when we were just in Germany with the national team. Because we are real twins, if she likes something, I have to like it too. It’s mandatory,” Aline told CAFOnline.
Both sisters officiated the Algeria Vs. Ghana quarter-finals match on Saturday, where Ghana secured their place in the semi-finals after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Algeria, following a goalless draw after extra time at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.
Their roles are distinct yet complementary, Aline, the central referee, presiding with poised authority; while Alice, the assistant referee, scans every inch of the pitch.
“Yes, our styles are different. She’s in the center. I’m on the flank. But we move with the same heart,” Alice said.
The two have always shared more than just DNA. Their journey into football officiating wasn’t just a career choice, it was a reflection of their bond.
But sharing the same ambition also required compromise. Initially, both trained as central referees until their Coach Mbake offered them advice that would later prove useful.
“He told us, ‘Alice, if you stay as a referee, and Aline also stays as a referee, it’s as if you are competing,’” Alice recalled. “So we decided Aline would stay as central referee, and I’d work as an assistant.”
According to Aline, that decision aligned with their personalities, with the pair aking rooms for criticism to enable growth on and off the pitch.
