Abidjan:Portia Oppong has secured an international role as the Reserve Assistant Referee for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Côte d'Ivoire and Mauritania. The match will take place in Abidjan, further advancing her career in beach soccer officiating.
According to Ghana Web, Oppong's latest assignment at the Agora de Port-Bouët is a testament to her growing involvement in the sport. She has previously officiated numerous domestic beach soccer competitions, demonstrating her expanding skill set and expertise.
Oppong's refereeing career began in 2016, shortly after finishing senior high school. She initially officiated in Akyem Oda, Eastern Region, and gradually progressed to managing matches across football, futsal, and beach soccer. Notably, she officiated the 2026 Ghana Beach Soccer Premier League final between Sea Sharks and Vodza Iron Breakers.
Her experience includes not only beach soccer but also women's football. In November 2022, she served as an assistant referee in the Women's Premier League match between Hasaacas Ladies and Ridge City. She continued in this role for another match between Soccer Intellectuals and Berry Ladies in February 2023.
Oppong's inclusion in the FIFA-approved beach soccer referees roster for 2026 marks a historic achievement as she becomes the first female from Ghana to achieve this status.