Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala is once again making headlines, having been selected to officiate a significant continental final. Following his role in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 final, Ndala has now been entrusted with overseeing the first leg of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League final. This high-profile match will feature Mamelodi Sundowns facing AS FAR Rabat in Pretoria.

This latest appointment has sparked considerable discussion within football circles, particularly given Ndala’s notable absence from the official list of African referees chosen for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite this omission, his continued selection for major CAF events underscores his standing as a prominent figure in African officiating.

The highly anticipated first leg of the CAF Champions League final is scheduled for May 17, 2026. The match will kick off at 2 PM GMT at the iconic Lotus Versfeld Stadium.