The Confederation of African Football has appointed Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo as the referee for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR.
Ngambo’s appointment was confirmed in May 2026 ahead of the highly anticipated fixture.
This will be one of the biggest matches officiated by Ndala in 2026, following his role in the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco.
That final was marred by controversy after a clear goal from Senegal was disallowed and a late penalty was awarded to Morocco.
It was a situation that quickly escalated when Senegal players walked off the pitch, with Ndala widely accused of losing control of the game.
The fallout from that match reportedly contributed to his omission from the 2026 FIFA World Cup officiating list.
However, the decision to appoint him for the CAF Champions League final has drawn widespread criticism.
Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana expressed strong dissatisfaction with the move, questioning the rationale behind the appointment.
“I am very sure my ears and eyes are not working properly. Jean Jacques Ngambo Ndala, dropped from going to the @FIFAWorldCup, will referee a leg of the 2026 @CAF_Online Champions League final? No, it can’t be possible, it can’t be”
Also read: CAF Yet to Conclude Investigation Into AFCON Final Refereeing Allegations
He also added:
“Not surprisingly, the odious appointment of DR Congo referee Jean Jacques Ngambo Ndala to referee the first leg of the @CAF_Online #CAFCL final, after his shambolic management of the #AFCON final in Rabat, has set the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons, amongst CAF Exco members. Several members including @SamuelEtoo, @AugustinSengho2, Faizal SIDAT and Idriss Diallo, have voiced their disgust and opposition to the appointment and are demanding that it be changed immediately. Another Exco member called the appointment ‘a shame to CAF.’ Interestingly, Patrice Motsepe, the President, is not a member of the Exco Whatsapp group.”
Similarly investigative journalist Romain Molina also condemned the decision, describing it as a totally rotten system.
The first leg of the CAF Champions League final is scheduled to take place on Friday, 15 May 2026.
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