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Jean-Jacques Ndala appointed to officiate TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 opener between Morocco and Comoros

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Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala has been appointed to officiate the opening match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, between hosts Morocco and Comoros.

The tournament curtain-raiser will be played on Sunday, 21 December 2025, at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 19h00 GMT, officially launching Africa’s flagship football competition.

Ndala’s appointment underlines CAF’s confidence in one of the continent’s most experienced and highly regarded match officials, entrusted with setting the tone for a tournament that will run until 18 January 2026.

A trusted figure on Africa’s biggest stage
A FIFA-listed referee since 2013, Jean-Jacques Ndala has steadily built a reputation for composure, authority and consistency at the highest level of African football.

The Democratic Republic of Congo official will be officiating at his fourth Africa Cup of Nations, having previously served at the 2019, 2021 and 2023 editions.

Regularly appointed for key fixtures in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, Ndala has also officiated crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers, further cementing his status among Africa’s elite referees.

His performances on the continental and global stage recently earned him a place on the shortlist of referees considered for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, reflecting CAF’s growing influence in supplying top-class officials to world football.

Experienced officiating team for the opener
Ndala will be supported by an experienced team of officials drawn from across the continent, reinforcing CAF’s commitment to high officiating standards for the opening fixture.

  • Assistant Referee 1: Guylain Bongele Ngila (DR Congo)
  • Assistant Referee 2: Mwanya Gradel Mbilizi (DR Congo)
  • Fourth Official: Messie Nkounkou Mvoutou (Republic of Congo)

In the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth, one of Africa’s most trusted video match officials will take charge:

  • VAR: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
  • Assistant VAR: Babacar Sarr (Mauritania)
  • Referee Assessor: René Daniel Louzaya (Republic of Congo)

The selection of a strong VAR team highlights CAF’s continued emphasis on accuracy, transparency and fairness as technology plays an increasingly important role in major African competitions.

A symbolic start to AFCON 2025
The opening match between Morocco and Comoros carries significant symbolic weight. Hosts Morocco begin their campaign in front of a packed home crowd, while Comoros look to make a statement against one of the tournament favourites.

With millions of viewers expected to follow the opening encounter across Africa and beyond, CAF’s decision to entrust the fixture to Ndala and his team reflects the importance placed on experience and calm authority for a match that officially sets the tournament in motion.

Confidence in African refereeing excellence
Ndala’s appointment is another affirmation of CAF’s investment in refereeing development and the growing recognition of African officials on the global stage.

As the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, gets underway, CAF has once again signalled that excellence in officiating remains central to delivering a tournament worthy of Africa’s premier football competition.