Jean-Jacques Ndala, the distinguished referee who officiated the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final, has been selected by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) to lead the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR Rabat in Pretoria.
The appointment has sparked discussions, particularly regarding the absence of the Congolese official from the 2026 FIFA World Cup referee list for African nations.
Key details of the upcoming match
The first leg of the CAF Champions League final is scheduled for 17 May 2026, with kickoff set for 14:00 GMT. The venue will be the Lotus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, where Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR Rabat will compete for continental supremacy.
Why the appointment matters
The decision to entrust Jean-Jacques Ndala with this high-profile match underscores his reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable referees. His involvement in the CAN 2025 final further cemented his standing, though his exclusion from the World Cup 2026 referee pool has raised eyebrows among football enthusiasts and analysts alike.
Reactions and controversies
While many celebrate his continued prominence in African football, critics question the timing and implications of his latest assignment. The debate highlights broader discussions about referee selection criteria and the perceived inconsistencies in CAF’s decision-making processes.
What’s next for African football?
As the football community watches closely, the match promises to be a spectacle of skill and strategy. Fans across Africa and beyond will be eager to see how Jean-Jacques Ndala’s leadership shapes the outcome of this pivotal encounter.
