AFCON 2025 Final: DR Congo Sends Message to Referees Amid Call for Sanctions
- DR Congo has sent a message of support to its referees who officiated the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final
- CAF selected centre referee Jean-Jacques Ndala and two of his compatriots to officiate Senegal vs Morocco
- Morocco is calling for sanctions against the officials as part of its petition in the aftermath of the chaotic final
- A Nigerian football critic has a different view to the statement, claiming it celebrates a poor officiating display
The DR Congo Football Federation (FECOFA) has expressed solidarity with its referees who officiated the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and host nation Morocco, which ended in controversy.
Source: Getty Images
Jean-Jacques Ndala, a DR Congo official, was the centre referee appointed by CAF, assisted by compatriots Guylain Bongele Ngila and Gradel Mwanya Mbilizi.
Fans have alleged favouritism towards Morocco, and Ndala's handling of the match has come under scrutiny, particularly his decisions during the opening match against Comoros.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) has announced plans to take legal action against Senegal for walking off the pitch, citing influence on the match outcome.
They also reportedly plan to indict Ndala for his role in the controversy, specifically his interactions with VAR officials, seeking justice for Morocco's loss, and potentially having Senegal stripped of the title.
FECOFA sends message to Ndala
FECOFA published a statement on its X page, signed by its President, Belinda Luntadila Nzuzi, encouraging the referees and praising their performance.
“Following your tenacity, professionalism and exemplary integrity throughout the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, I wish, on my own behalf and on behalf of all the members of the FECOFA Normalisation Committee, to extend my sincere and warmest congratulations,” the statement reads.
“You officiated brilliantly in very high-level matches, marked by intense competition and considerable pressure. Your rigorous match management, composure, technical mastery, and strong sense of refereeing ethics were unanimously praised. You have honoured Congolese refereeing and defended our country's colours with dignity.
“I urge you to continue on this path of excellence and to continue to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo admirably in the various international competitions where you will be called upon to officiate. On behalf of all football fans, I wish you an even more brilliant career, crowned with success and recognition.”
Source: Getty Images
Senegalese disagreed with the statement, describing the referee’s performance as a disgrace to African football.
@xoslu_man wrote:
“He was the lackey tasked with doing the dirty work. He's never been a reliable referee, and this final proved it beyond a doubt. He thought that by awarding that penalty, Senegal 🇸🇳 would "get it." They're not the Comoros. It's a disgrace for Africa and for the world.”
@oussoumanne wrote:
“You're truly a nation of losers. If they're what you're proud of.”
@mouhamind wrote:
“Aren't you ashamed? Congolese people and corruption: a long history.”
Football critic JJ Opeisa slammed DR Congo for praising the questionable officiating, similar to how Ghana did for Daniel Nii Laryea.
“Africa needs to stop glorifying questionable performances in the name of supporting their own. Ghana did it for Daniel Laryea, now DR Congo for Ndala,” he told Legit.ng.
“They may have been the pride of their Nations officiating at AFCON, but only a biased person would say that the officiating during Nigeria vs Morocco and Senegal vs Morocco was their best standard.”
AFCON referees appreciate Mane
Legit.ng reported that AFCON 2025 final referees appreciated Sadio Mane for his intervention to avert the chaos between Senegal and Morocco.
Footage emerged online disclosing what centre referee Ndala, Abongile Tom and Letticia Viana told the Senegalese captain after the final whistle.
Source: Legit.ng
