LUSAKA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The head of Zambia's soccer governing body on Tuesday hailed the country's first referee for officiating at a first-ever World Cup match.

Janny Sikazwe, who is among five other top African referees officiating at the Russia 2018 World Cup, made his debut of officiating at the World Cup during the Group G game between Belgium and Panama.

Andrew Kamanga, the president of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) said the referee made the country proud through his professional way of handling the game and for becoming the first Zambian referee to officiate at the World Cup.

"As an association we are proud of the landmark Sikazwe has achieved and would like to encourage him to continue working hard to have more opportunities to represent Zambia at the ongoing World Cup and beyond," he said.

The soccer chief added that the referee's example will encourage many young people with the talent to aim in all their endeavors.