Nigeria, Aug. 29 -- When Diana Chikotesha walked onto the pitch at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, history was being made.

In front of a packed stadium and millions watching across the world, the Zambian became the first woman to officiate a men's AFCON final; a feat that instantly etched her name into African football folklore.

Now, the 34-year-old assistant referee is once again breaking new ground at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania; further cementing her status as a pioneer.

"My message is that gender should not determine success. If you feel you have the potential, go for it. Even if it's a male-dominated field, never look at y...