Dr Congo top referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to handle CAF Champions League final

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has settled on highly-rated DR Congo referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to handle the CAF Champions League final first leg clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and FAR Rabat.

The South African giants will play host to the Moroccan powerhouse Tshwane-Loftus Versfeld Stadium on May 17, 2026 before the reverse clash on May 24, 2026.

Ndala, who found himself at the center of attention following a chaotic AFCON 2025 final has once again been entrusted with officiating the final of CAF’s elite club competition.

He will be assisted by his compatriots, Guylain Bongele NGILA and Mwanya Gradel Mbilizi, with Congolese Messie Jessie Oved serving as the fourth official for the high-stakes clash this month.

Ndala’s appointment underscores the confidence the CAF has in his ability to handle pressure on the grandest stage. Over the years, he has officiated several crucial matches in both the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup, earning praise for his composure, consistency, and command of the game.

The first leg of the final, scheduled to be played in South Africa, is expected to draw massive attention across the continent and beyond, with two top clubs battling for supremacy. Having a referee of Ndala’s calibre is seen as vital to ensuring fairness and maintaining the flow of the game in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.

For Ndala, this appointment represents another milestone in an already impressive career. Officiating a Champions League final is widely regarded as one of the highest honours for a referee in African football, and a strong performance could further cement his status among the elite officials on the continent.