The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced that Jean-Jacques Ndala, a referee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will preside over the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR.
Scheduled for May 17 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, this match marks Ndala’s second consecutive final appearance, following his controversial role in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco in Rabat.
From AFCON controversy to Champions League spotlight
Ndala’s officiating in the AFCON 2025 final drew significant attention after several contentious decisions. Notably, he disallowed a Senegal goal for an alleged foul before the play concluded, preventing a potential VAR review. Shortly after, a penalty was awarded to Morocco following VAR intervention, sparking protests from the Senegalese team who temporarily left the pitch.
Despite the uproar, the CAF later awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, citing the Senegalese team’s walk-off as a breach of competition regulations. This decision underscored the finality of on-field decisions, as stipulated by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
Proven track record in high-stakes matches
Since the AFCON controversy, Ndala has continued to be entrusted with pivotal fixtures. He officiated the Group Stage clash between Young Africans and JS Kabylie on February 5, followed by a CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final between Al-Masry and CR Belouizdad on March 14.
The CAF’s confidence in Ndala reflects a broader trend of retaining referees despite public scrutiny, ensuring continuity in elite competition officiating standards.
What to expect in the Champions League final
The first leg of the CAF Champions League final will take place at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Stadium, home ground of Mamelodi Sundowns. The return leg is set for May 24 in Rabat, Morocco, where AS FAR will host.
With Ndala at the helm, this final promises high-intensity action under the watchful eye of African football’s governing body, aiming to deliver a fair and decisive outcome.