Referee Jean Jacques Ndala Cleared By CAF

BY: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Congolese Referee Jean Jacques Ndala who officiated the final AFCON duel between Morocco and Senegal at the Prince Mouley Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday 18th January, 2026 has been found not guilty of any misbehaviour.

Following a tough investigation and review, the Disciplinary Committee of CAF found no fault against the Congolese official.

He has therefore been cleared and received massive endorsement from the continent’s football governing body to handle any international match including the upcoming June – July FIFA World Cup.

Host nation Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal in extra time to miss the AFCON trophy they last won in 1976.

Prior to this defeat, the match came to a halt for some minutes before both teams gathered themselves for Referee Jean Jacques Ndala to blow his whistle for proceedings to continue.

After the game Moroccan MP Mohamed Simou called for Referee Jean Jacques Ndala to be suspended and put on trial. Simou claimed the referee improperly restarted the match after the Senegal team had left the field.

He accused the Senegalese squad of practicing “black magic” in the locker room prior to Brahim Díaz’s penalty kick.

But CAF has found no case in these allegations. They believe Referee Ndala applied the rules well and deserves no punishment.