AFCON 2025: The referees everyone will be talking about

The AFCON referees selected for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations are once again a mix of experienced and rising stars. As the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the rest of the continent’s powerhouses chase glory, the spotlight will also fall inevitably on those entrusted with keeping order. Their calls will be cheered, debated and replayed across Africa’s football-obsessed landscape.

The AFCON 2025 officials pool features familiar faces from recent finals as well as promising names trusted with top CAF and FIFA assignments. From penalty decisions to VAR drama, their influence can shape narratives, shift momentum and stir continental controversy. It is no wonder that referees, for all their neutrality, end up in the heart of the storm.

With the tournament returning to North Africa, many of the continent’s elite officials from Morocco, Egypt, Senegal and more make the list, and their reputations precede them.

The Top AFCON Referees to watch in 2025

Mustapha Ghorbal — Algeria

Arguably the most technically refined of the AFCON 2025 referees, Ghorbal has officiated World Cup matches and multiple CAF Champions League finals. 

The 40-year-old’s strong game management earned him the trust of both CAF and FIFA. Expect him on the whistle in the biggest knockout clashes, perhaps even the final.

Jean-Jacques Ndala — DR Congo

Ndala’s assertive yet composed decision-making has made him a go-to official for high-pressure derbies and intercontinental fixtures. 

A strong candidate for late-stage matches involving top sides like the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The 38-year-old’s card discipline and calm presence have drawn praise across the board.

Jalal Jayed — Morocco

A home contender with deep experience, Jayed’s biggest weapon is his ability to defuse tension quickly. 

The Moroccan officiated high-stakes Champions League nights and Club World Cup qualification ties, so a packed Casablanca or Marrakech will not faze him. Watch for him to be at the heart of AFCON knockout drama.

Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea — Ghana

Steady, confident and highly respected on the continent. Laryea’s firm grasp of tempo and advantage play means he often lets exciting football breathe. 

The 38-year-old rarely shies away from a big call, which is why CAF keeps placing him in crucial qualifiers.

Amin Mohamed Omar — Egypt

A veteran in every sense, Omar’s game reading makes him a favourite for intense and tactical battles. Egyptian officials have a long history of influence at AFCON, and he remains one of the foremost AFCON 2025 officials with enough clout to handle a final-four fixture.

Abongile Tom — South Africa

Tom is one of the fastest-rising names in African refereeing; confident, respected and excellent with positioning. VAR has embraced him as well, but he remains strongest on the pitch, where his communication with players is notably clear.

Adalbert Diouf — Senegal

Senegal keeps producing outstanding referees, and Diouf continues that lineage. His stamina and fine disciplinary reading mean he deals well with fiery West African rivalries, a valuable trait with Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire all in the mix.

Mahmood Ismail — Sudan

A commanding figure, Ismail has officiated major CAF fixtures with minimal controversy; a badge of honour. His decision-making under pressure makes him a dependable choice for tight scorelines and VAR-susceptible moments.

Patrice Mebiame — Gabon

Mebiame has earned his place after consistent seasons in the CAF interclub scene. He is respected for fairness, even when atmospheres boil over. AFCON 2025 could be his step into the limelight.

Pacifique Ndabihawenimana — Burundi

A remarkable rise from a smaller football nation. Pacifique benefits from excellent fitness levels and modern interpretations of contact play. A referee who prefers flow over stoppages; good news for neutrals and attacking sides.

AFCON referee controversies in history

Refereeing at the Africa Cup of Nations has always been under the fiercest glare. The smallest mistake can echo far beyond the pitch, and officials often find themselves at the heart of headlines they never sought.

In 2022, Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe became the story when he blew the final whistle twice before full time in the Tunisia–Mali group game. Confusion followed, and the moment was replayed across the world.

Algeria’s Mustapha Ghorbal has also felt the heat. His handling of the 2021 final between Senegal and Egypt drew mixed reactions as he wrestled with gamesmanship and relentless appeals from both benches. Even with the introduction of VAR, figures like Jean-Jacques Ndala and Peter Waweru have found that technology has not ended debates, only changed their tone.

Nigeria have had their fair share of AFCON referee controversy, with the most memorable incident occurring in the final of the 2000 AFCON, when Moroccan Mourad Daami failed to award a Victor Ikpeba penalty which dropped over the line.