Jean-Jacques Ndala has been appointed to officiate the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. This match will take place on January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The kickoff is set for 19:00 GMT.
Journey to the AFCON 2025 Final
Ndala began his journey with this tournament by refereeing its opening match. His selection for the final emphasizes the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) confidence in his abilities. Ndala is recognized as one of Africa’s most trusted referees.
Experience and Recognition
- Ndala is a FIFA-listed referee since 2013.
- This will be his fourth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, following the 2019, 2021, and 2023 tournaments.
- He is known for his composure and authoritative game management during intense matches.
His consistent performance across various competitions, including the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, has solidified his reputation. Ndala’s continued success reflects the growing recognition of African referees on the global stage.
Officiating Team for the Final
Ndala will be joined by a skilled team of officials for the final:
- Assistant Referee 1: Guylain Bongele Ngila (DR Congo)
- Assistant Referee 2: Gradel Mwanya Mbilizi (DR Congo)
- Assistant Referee 3: Styven Moutsassi Moyo (Republic of Congo)
- Fourth Official: Abongile Tom (South Africa)
- VAR: Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)
- Assistant VAR 1: Leticia Viana (Eswatini)
- Assistant VAR 2: Stephane Eleazar Yiembé (Congo)
- Referee Assessor: René Daniel Louzaya (Republic of Congo)
This diverse officiating team underscores CAF’s commitment to ensuring fairness and technical excellence.
A Pivotal Final: Morocco vs. Senegal
The final match will showcase Morocco against Senegal, highlighting a tournament filled with intense competition and high drama. The stakes are high as both teams vie for continental pride and history. Ndala’s role in this match marks a significant moment for African football.
As AFCON 2025 approaches its conclusion, Jean-Jacques Ndala’s appointment reflects his status as a premier referee. It also symbolizes CAF’s long-term commitment to enhancing officiating standards in African football.
