Congolese official Jean-Jacques Ndala is once again making headlines in African football circles. The esteemed referee, who garnered significant attention for his role in the CAN 2025 final, has now been entrusted with the crucial task of officiating the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. This highly anticipated match will feature Mamelodi Sundowns squaring off against AS FAR Rabat in Pretoria.

However, this new appointment has sparked considerable discussion within the football community. Many observers are drawing particular attention to Ndala’s notable absence from the official list of African referees chosen for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising questions about the criteria for such high-profile assignments.

Following his recent stint overseeing the CAN 2025 final, Jean-Jacques Ndala is now set to preside over another major continental spectacle: the CAF Champions League final, a prestigious encounter between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR.

The inaugural leg of this CAF Champions League final is officially scheduled for May 17, 2026. Fans can mark their calendars for a 2 PM GMT kickoff at the iconic Loftus Versfeld Stadium, promising an exciting start to the championship decider.