Senegalese referee Malang Diedhiou says Africans who officiated at the just-ended World Cup banished negative perceptions that clouded match officials from the continent.
The 45-year-old last week announced his retirement from refereeing.
He hung his whistle after enjoying a fair outing in Russia, where his four assignments included the round of 16 showdown between Belgium and Japan.
He was also involved in the Belgium-England third-place playoff match where he was the fourth official.
With 10 African assistant referees having initially been selected for the tournament by Fifa, they were left a man short after Kenyan linesman Range Marwa withdrew after being caught on tape allegedly receiving a bribe.