Senegal vs Morocco: CAF Confirms AFCON 2025 Final Match Referee and Ex‑South African Police Officer on VAR Duty

DR Congo referee Jean‑Jacques Ndala has been appointed to officiate the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat on 18 January 2026.

The Confederation of African Football confirmed his selection in its announcement of the match officials for the tournament’s showpiece. The final will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where hosts Morocco will chase a historic title on home soil while Senegal aim to reclaim continental glory.

South Africa will also be represented on the night, with Abongile Tom, a former police officer, appointed to the VAR booth for the final. Tom’s inclusion highlights his rise as one of the continent’s leading video match officials.

Ndala’s appointment places one of Africa’s most experienced referees at the centre of the continent’s biggest football stage.

Second Major Assignment of the Tournament

Ndala’s appointment to the final comes after he also officiated the opening match of the tournament between Morocco and Comoros, demonstrating CAF’s confidence in his consistency and composure in high‑pressure fixtures. This makes him one of the few referees in recent AFCON history to handle both the curtain‑raiser and the final in the same edition.

The Congolese official, a FIFA‑listed referee since 2013, has built a strong reputation across CAF competitions, regularly handling high‑profile matches in the Champions League, Confederation Cup, and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His increasing prominence has seen him shortlisted among referees being considered for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Officiating Team for the Final

Ndala will be supported by a full team of experienced officials:

Assistant Referee 1: Guylain Bongale Ngila (DR Congo)
Assistant Referee 2: Gradel Mwanya Mbilizi (DR Congo)
Third Assistant Referee: Styven Moutsassi Moyo
Fourth Official: Abongile Tom
VAR: Pierre Ghislain Atcho
Assistant VAR 1: Leticia Viana
Assistant VAR 2: Stephane Eleazar Yiembe
Referee Assessor: René Daniel Louzaya

The selection of such an experienced officiating crew underscores CAF’s emphasis on high refereeing standards for a final expected to draw massive viewership across the continent.

A Final Steeped in High Stakes

Hosts Morocco reached the final after a dramatic penalty shoot‑out victory over Nigeria, while Senegal booked their place by edging Egypt in a tight semi‑final. Both sides enter the decider with strong ambitions, ensuring Ndala’s role will be crucial in maintaining fairness, flow, and control throughout the match.