For the first time in the history of Kenya’s Harambee stars, the team will play in a match deployed with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) when they face hosts Qatar in an International friendly set to be played in Qatar.
The match has been scheduled for Thursday, September 7, 2023, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Doha, Qatar, starting at 6.15 pm EAT.
Harambee Stars will take on the 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in the first of their planned two friendly matches.
VAR technology has revolutionized the game of football by providing an additional layer of accuracy and fairness in decision-making. It allows match officials to review critical incidents, such as goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity, with the assistance of video replays.
The use of VAR in this friendly match will, therefore, not only provide an exciting and enhanced viewing experience for fans but also offer an opportunity for Kenyan players and officials to familiarize themselves with this innovative technology.
Qatari VAR official Mohammed Al Sherif will lead the VAR team and shall be assisted by his compatriot Ramzan Al Naimi.
Abdulrahman Al Jassim will preside over the match as the Center Referee and will be assisted by Taleb Salem (First Assistant Referee), Saoud Ahmad (Second Assistant Referee), and Yousef Al Sharshani (Fourth Official).
Abdulrahman Hussein has been appointed Referee Assessor.
Match Officials
1. Abdulrahman Al Jassim (Center Referee)
2. Taleb Salem (First Assistant Referee)
3. Saoud Ahmad (Secon Assistant Referee)
4. Yousef Al Sharshani (Fourth Official)
5. Mohammed Al Sherif (VAR)
6. Ramzan Al Naimi (Assistant VAR)
7. Abdulrahman Hussein (Referee Assessor)
