Pierre Ghislain Atcho will referee Algeria’s home game against Togo on 14 November, a return that is likely to revive difficult memories for the Algerian supporters.

The Gabonese official has been appointed for the third round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Hocine-Ait-Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou. The Togolese Football Federation confirmed the appointment, which has attracted attention because of Atcho’s involvement in two recent and controversial matches involving Algeria.

Atcho was part of the Video Assistant Referee team for Algeria’s first two matches at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Cote d’Ivoire in January 2024. Following the 2-2 draw with Burkina Faso, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) submitted a complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over several refereeing decisions.

The FAF also questioned why Atcho had been selected for VAR duty in a second consecutive match involving the Fennecs.

His name resurfaced two years later during Algeria’s 2-0 defeat by Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Atcho was again operating VAR when Algeria appealed for a penalty after a handball in the area. However, the central referee, Issa Sy, was not asked to review the footage.

The FAF subsequently lodged a complaint concerning the overall refereeing performance. Incidents after the final whistle also resulted in suspensions for Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali.

The circumstances will be different this time. Atcho will not be working behind the VAR monitors in Tizi Ouzou, but will take charge of the match as the referee. He will be assisted by fellow Gabonese officials Boris Marlaise Ditsoga and Amos Abeigne Ndong, with Cregue Fleury Moukagni appointed as the fourth official.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 in Algeria. Zidane and Belghali will be available again after completing their suspensions.

Atcho’s appointment is certain to bring back memories of those previous disputes, but it cannot become Algeria’s focus before the game begins. The hosts have four points from their opening matches, compared with three for Togo, and can establish an important advantage in the group with victory.

The return fixture will take place in Lome three days later.