Born Together, Rising Together:

The Harmony of Aline and Alice, twin sisters refereeing at WAFCON

In the heart of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, where dreams rise and nations roar, two Rwandan sisters are quietly leaving an indelible mark—not with goals, tackles, or chants—but with flags, whistles, and a bond that defies convention.

Meet Aline Umutoni and Alice Umutesi—identical twins, inseparable souls, and trailblazers in African football officiating. As central referee and assistant referee respectively, the duo took centre stage once again on Saturday night, overseeing the tension-filled quarter-final between Algeria and Ghana in Berkane. And while Ghana emerged victorious on penalties, another compelling narrative unfolded in the background—the story of the only twin referees in the tournament, commanding the spotlight with calm authority and unshakable unity.

Their presence is more than a novelty. It is a statement. It is about visibility, representation, and redefining boundaries in a sport that, until recently, seldom had space for women—let alone women who come in twos.

From Rwanda’s Hills to Africa’s Biggest Stage

Born and raised in the lush valleys of Rwanda, Aline and Alice’s journey began like many others—with a shared love for football. As players in their youth, the field was once their playground. But as the boots were eventually hung, the passion remained. Rather than walking away, they stepped even deeper into the sport—this time with whistles and rulebooks in hand.“We wanted to stay in football,” Aline said. “So we trained, we committed. And now, we are here.”

Their rise wasn’t without sacrifice. Initially, both trained as central referees, but a gentle nudge from their coach, Mbake, helped them realise that they were stronger as complements, not competitors. “He told us, if both of you stay as referees, it’s like you’re competing,” Alice recalled. And so, Aline remained in the centre, Alice moved to the flank. The synergy was instant, and unstoppable.

“I’m bossy, responsible, I like to make decisions,” Aline explained with a laugh. “But I’m not shy on the pitch!” she added, as Alice teasingly nudged her. Their chemistry is both playful and professional—a blend that’s helped them thrive.

Mirror Image, Different Roles

In a game that demands split-second decisions and unflinching confidence, Aline and Alice provide each other with the most valuable tool—honest feedback.

From Rwanda’s Hills to Africa’s Biggest Stage

“We wanted to stay in football,” Aline said. “So we trained, we committed. And now, we are here.”

Mirror Image, Different Roles

In a game that demands split-second decisions and unflinching confidence, Aline and Alice provide each other with the most valuable tool—honest feedback.

“Her mistakes are my mistakes,” Alice says. “So I criticize her. That’s how we grow.”

Aline echoes the sentiment: “We tell each other the truth. When the truth brings change, we embrace it.”

Their pairing often sees them assigned to the same matches—traveling together, officiating together, and making history together. “That’s the advantage for us,” Alice said. “We work the same matches. We move as one.”

Proud Daughters of Rwanda

In every match, they wear not just their FIFA badges, but the heart of a nation. As Rwanda’s leading female officials, they carry their country’s pride with grace and strength.

“To represent your country as twins is a pleasure,” Alice said. “We are very, very proud.”

And Rwanda is proud of them too—twin ambassadors of integrity and excellence on the continental stage.

Their most memorable moment so far? For Aline, it was standing in the middle during Nigeria’s group stage clash against Botswana. “So much was going on,” she said. “But we managed. I was very happy.”

Beyond the Game

Off the pitch, the sisters are just like any other pair of twins—with a flair for fashion, friendly debates, and shared preferences. Dresses, jackets, laughs, and late-night conversations. Their life is full, grounded in family and driven by ambition.

Their message to young African girls is simple but powerful: “Refereeing is not only for men,” Alice said. “You can earn a living. You can buy a house. You can help orphans. You can do everything. The field is yours. For us, refereeing is life.”

A Legacy in the Making

In a tournament filled with drama and dreams, Aline and Alice bring a quiet kind of heroism—one built on discipline, unity, and purpose. They may not score goals or lift trophies, but their presence is shaping the future of women’s football in Africa in profound ways.

With every offside call and every whistle blown, they remind us that football is more than a game. It’s a stage where stories like theirs can inspire a continent.