RABAT — Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala has been appointed to officiate the opening match of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, between hosts Morocco and Comoros.
The tournament curtain-raiser will be played on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, 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 January 18, 2026.
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 CAF Champions League and 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.
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.
