The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has entrusted Jean-Jacques Ndala, a seasoned referee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with officiating the first leg of the African Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and AS FAR (Morocco). The highly anticipated match is scheduled for May 17 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Controversial legacy and continued trust
At 38 years old, Ndala has become a polarizing figure in African football due to his role in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, where his decisions sparked intense debate. During the clash between Senegal and Morocco in Rabat, he disallowed a legitimate Senegalese goal for an alleged earlier foul, while later awarding a controversial penalty to Morocco via VAR assistance. The Senegalese team briefly walked off the pitch in protest, leading to match delays. Though the initial score stood at 1-0 for Senegal after extra time, the CAF later revised the result to a 3-0 forfeit win for Morocco in March 2026, citing the temporary walkout as a rules violation.
Despite the backlash, the CAF has reaffirmed its confidence in Ndala by selecting him for pivotal continental fixtures, including the upcoming Champions League final. According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) regulations, referees’ in-game decisions are final and cannot be overturned, reinforcing the authority of match officials in African football.
Recent high-profile assignments
Ndala’s credibility has been further tested through recent assignments. He took charge of the Group Stage match between Young Africans (Tanzania) and JS Kabylie (Algeria) on February 5, followed by the CAF Cup quarterfinal between Al-Masry (Egypt) and CR Belouizdad (Algeria) on March 14. His consistent selection underscores the CAF’s willingness to rely on experienced officials, even amid criticism.
Key details of the Champions League final
The first leg of the final will unfold in Pretoria, where Mamelodi Sundowns will host AS FAR at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The return leg is set for May 24 in Rabat, Morocco. The double-header promises high stakes and intense competition as both teams vie for the continental title. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Ndala’s performance, given his recent controversial decisions and the CAF’s continued backing.
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