Rabat, Morocco – In a significant testament to consistency and high-level performance, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that Jean-Jacques Ndala of the Democratic Republic of Congo will officiate the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 Final this Sunday, 18 January 2026. The match, contested between hosts Morocco and Senegal, will take place at the prestigious Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, kicking off at 19:00 GMT.
A Symbolic Appointment: From Opening Whistle to Grand Finale
Ndala’s selection for the tournament's showpiece event is particularly noteworthy as he was also entrusted with handling the opening match of the AFCON 2025 campaign. This full-circle appointment underscores the immense faith CAF places in his experience, composure, and proven ability to manage the continent’s biggest fixtures.
For a referee who has been FIFA-listed since 2013, this final marks another significant milestone in a career defined by steady progression through the ranks of elite African football officiating. Ndala is known for his authoritative presence and excellent game management skills, qualities essential for navigating the high-stakes environment of an AFCON final, especially one involving the host nation.
CAF Rewards Experience and Consistency
CAF’s decision to back Ndala for the final is a clear signal of its strategy to reward officials who consistently deliver excellence across major competitions. Having participated in the 2019, 2021, and 2023 editions, the 2025 final will be Ndala’s fourth appearance in Africa’s premier men’s tournament.
His expertise is not limited to AFCON. Ndala has regularly been relied upon for crucial matches in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, the CAF Confederation Cup, and vital FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His consistent performance profile has also positioned him as a strong candidate for future global officiating assignments, reflecting positively on the growing standard of refereeing emerging from the continent.
The appointment offers stability for the final. When a referee manages both the first and last games, it suggests a clear commitment from the organizing body to maintain a consistent standard of officiating throughout the tournament’s duration. This continuity is vital for both teams heading into a match where every decision carries immense weight.
The Multinational Officiating Team
To ensure maximum neutrality, balance, and technical acumen for the final clash between Morocco and Senegal, Ndala will be supported by a robust, experienced, and multinational team. This selection reflects CAF's ongoing commitment to transparency and technical accuracy when officiating decisive matches.
On-Field Officials
The team supporting Ndala on the pitch comprises officials from diverse nations:
- 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)
The presence of experienced assistants, including two from DR Congo alongside Ndala, suggests a pre-existing understanding of his match management style, while the inclusion of officials from South Africa and the Republic of Congo provides necessary geographical and administrative balance.
VAR Room Expertise
In the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth, CAF has assembled a highly trusted unit tasked with ensuring accuracy during reviews. The VAR team includes:
- VAR: Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)
- Assistant VAR 1: Leticia Viana (Eswatini)
- Assistant VAR 2: Stephane Eleazar Yiembé (Congo)
The inclusion of Leticia Viana from Eswatini highlights CAF’s commitment to promoting female officials in high-profile roles, even within the VAR structure supporting the men’s final. Furthermore, René Daniel Louzaya from the Republic of Congo will serve as the Referee Assessor, overseeing the performance of the entire officiating crew.
A Fitting Conclusion to AFCON 2025
The TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 has delivered a tournament filled with electrifying football, significant upsets, and massive crowd engagement across Morocco. As the competition culminates in a final pitting the host nation against the reigning champions, Senegal, the stakes are exceptionally high.
Ndala’s journey, beginning with the opening fixture and concluding with the final whistle on Sunday, provides a narrative of trust and continuity. CAF's investment in elite standards, evidenced by the meticulous selection of both the on-field and VAR teams, aims to ensure that the final match is decided purely by sporting prowess, underpinned by authoritative and fair officiating. As Africa celebrates its premier football event, the focus will undoubtedly be on the players, but the quiet efficiency of Jean-Jacques Ndala and his team will be crucial in shaping the legacy of the Morocco 2025 showpiece.
