CAF shocks with referee for CAF Champions League final first leg

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the officiating team for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR.

The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 17 May at Loftus Versfeld, following a rescheduling from the original Friday, 15 May date at the request of Mamelodi Sundowns.

Kick-off is at 18:00.

Refereed the 2025 AFCON final

Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala has been appointed in charge for the high-stakes encounter.

Ndala previously officiated the controversial 2025 AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal.

He will be assisted by Jolyen Ngila and Gérard Monia, while Jesse Mosi has been named as the fourth official.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties will be overseen by Sudanese official Ahmed Abdelaziz, supported by Ahmed Al-Shalmani of Libya and Zambia’s Diana Chikotesha.

Security observers

CAF has also confirmed Zimbabwe’s Desmond Maringwa as match commissioner, alongside additional referee and security observers from Eswatini and Seychelles, and assessors from DR Congo and Senegal.

The appointment sets the stage for a closely watched final, with Mamelodi Sundowns aiming to make home advantage count in the opening leg of Africa’s premier club competition.

Meanwhile, Somalia’s Omar Abdulkadir Artan will referee the second-leg on Sunday, 24 May at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Will Mamelodi Sundowns emerge victorious in this season’s CAF Champions League?

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