As Morocco and Senegal prepare to battle for Africa’s ultimate football crown, the spotlight won’t be solely on the players. Janny Sikazwe Ndala, the seasoned referee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, will take center stage, tasked with keeping the continent’s most high-profile match fair, flowing, and drama-free.
A FIFA-listed official since 2013, Ndala has built a reputation for calm authority, impeccable judgment, and precise game management, earning the respect of players and coaches alike. Sunday’s final will mark his fourth Africa Cup of Nations, following appearances in 2019, 2021, and 2023, a testament to his consistency at the highest levels of African football.
CAF’s appointment of Ndala for both the opening fixture and the final signals confidence in a referee who has repeatedly delivered under pressure, whether in the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, or FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His name is now regularly mentioned among African officials considered for future global tournaments, highlighting the continent’s growing influence in elite refereeing circles.
A Multinational Team Behind Him
Ndala will not officiate alone. Sunday’s final features a highly experienced, diverse team of officials, reinforcing CAF’s commitment to neutrality, technical excellence, and match integrity:
Assistant Referee 1: Guylain Bongele Ngila (DR Congo)
Assistant Referee 2: Gradel Mwanya Mbilizi (DR Congo)
Assistant Referee 3: Styven Moutsassi Moyo (Republic of Congo)
Fourth Official: Abongile Tom (South Africa)
In the VAR booth, accuracy and oversight are ensured by:
VAR: Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)
Assistant VAR 1: Leticia Viana (Eswatini)
Assistant VAR 2: Stephane Eleazar Yiembé (Congo)
Referee Assessor: René Daniel Louzaya (Republic of Congo)
CAF’s deliberate selection of this blend of experience and regional representation underscores the organization’s focus on transparency, fairness, and control during the competition’s decisive moments.
A Symbol of African Officiating Excellence
As the tournament reaches its climax in Rabat, Ndala’s role is more than managing the whistle—it’s a statement about African refereeing standards. Entrusted with both the first and final matches of AFCON 2025, Ndala embodies CAF’s long-term investment in elite officiating and the continent’s ability to produce referees capable of handling football’s biggest stages.
For players, fans, and football administrators, Sunday’s final promises drama, passion, and history. For Ndala and his team, it is the ultimate test of skill, composure, and judgment, a fitting finale to a tournament that has captivated Africa from start to finish.
That’s fantastic news! It’s always great to see a respected referee like Ndala officiating such an important game.