Jean-Jacques Ndala is back where he belongs. CAF just handed the Congolese official the whistle for the second leg of the African Champions League final between Al Ahly and Esperance de Tunis. It’s a massive call. If you follow African football, you know this isn't just another assignment for the man from the DR Congo. This is a statement of faith from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after what happened during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Most referees would have crumbled under the weight of the drama Ndala faced. He was the man in the middle for the AFCON final, a match that turned into a tactical and emotional war zone. While he didn't make a glaring error that cost a team the trophy, the intense pressure and the post-match scrutiny left him in a strange position. He was the "unlucky hero" of that final. He did his job, but he left the pitch feeling the sting of the occasion. Now, he's getting his chance to command the biggest stage in African club football. Recently making news in this space: The Southern Section Playoff Bracket is a Participation Trophy for Lazy Talent.
Why Ndala is the right choice for Cairo
Choosing a referee for an Al Ahly home game is a nightmare for administrators. The atmosphere in Cairo is famously hostile for visiting teams and officials alike. You can't put a rookie in that environment. You need someone with "thick skin" and a track record of ignoring 75,000 screaming fans.
Ndala brings that veteran presence. He’s been an international referee since 2014. He’s seen it all. From the CHAN finals to high-stakes World Cup qualifiers, his resume is stacked. CAF isn't looking for a "game-changer" or some revolutionary officiating style. They want stability. They want someone who won't be intimidated by the Al Ahly bench or the Esperance players' penchant for surrounding the referee after every foul. Additional insights regarding the matter are explored by Sky Sports.
It’s about control. Ndala’s style is built on physical presence and a very low tolerance for dissent. He doesn't like to talk much. He uses his whistle to set the tone early. In a final where the aggregate score might be razor-thin, that first yellow card for time-waiting or simulation is going to be vital. He knows how to manage the "dark arts" of the game that often define North African derbies.
The shadow of the AFCON final
Let’s be real about what happened in Ivory Coast. Ndala handled the final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast with a level of calm that few expected. Yet, the narrative afterward wasn't about his excellence. It was about the VAR interventions and the sheer physicality of the match that seemed to push the rules to the limit. Some critics felt he let the game get too rough. Others argued he was the only thing keeping the match from devolving into a brawl.
Getting the Champions League final is his vindication. It’s CAF’s way of saying, "We liked what you did on the big stage, and we trust you to do it again." For Ndala, this isn't just about refereeing Al Ahly vs. Esperance. It’s about proving he’s the undisputed number one on the continent.
Referees are human. They feel the weight of a bad press cycle. After the AFCON, there were whispers that Ndala might be moved out of the "elite" rotation for a while to let the dust settle. This appointment kills those rumors. He’s not being benched. He’s being promoted.
The crew joining him in the heat of Cairo
Ndala isn't going into this alone. CAF has surrounded him with a solid team to ensure there are no excuses.
- Seydou Tiama (Burkina Faso) and Abaneh Itaye (Ethiopia) will be on the lines.
- Lahlou Benbraham from Algeria is taking charge of the VAR room.
The VAR choice is particularly interesting. Benbraham is known for being meticulous. He doesn't rush decisions. In a match where a single penalty could decide millions of dollars in prize money, having a VAR official who won't get caught up in the stadium's energy is crucial. Ndala and Benbraham have worked together before. They have a rhythm. That matters when the crowd is whistling so loud you can barely hear your earpiece.
Managing the Al Ahly and Esperance rivalry
This isn't just a football match. It’s a clash of civilizations in African football. Al Ahly is the "Club of the Century," a juggernaut that expects to win every time they step on the grass. Esperance de Tunis is the gritty, tactical powerhouse that knows how to frustrate opponents.
Ndala has to watch out for three specific things in this final.
- The early tactical foul. Esperance will try to break Al Ahly’s rhythm. Ndala needs to decide if he’s going to let the game flow or stop it every thirty seconds.
- Simulation in the box. Both teams have players who are "experts" at winning contact. Ndala’s positioning will be tested constantly.
- The pressure on his assistants. In Cairo, the fans are right on top of the linesmen. Ndala has to protect his crew and keep the focus on the pitch.
I’ve watched Ndala for years. He’s at his best when the game is fast. He struggles slightly when the game becomes stop-start and players start diving. If this turns into a "track meet," Ndala will have a great night. If it becomes a cagey, foul-heavy mess, his patience will be pushed to the limit.
What this means for the future of African officiating
For a long time, African refereeing was criticized for lack of consistency. We saw "home-town" officiating way too often. Ndala represents a new guard of referees who are trained to be neutral, regardless of the venue. He’s part of a group that includes officials like Bamlak Tessema, who have raised the standard.
If Ndala delivers a flawless performance in Cairo, he’s a lock for the next World Cup. That’s the real prize here. This Champions League final is his final audition for the global stage. FIFA scouts will be watching how he handles the pressure of the Cairo International Stadium.
Don't expect him to be the star of the show. If you don't notice Jean-Jacques Ndala during the ninety minutes, he’s done his job perfectly. The best referees are the ones you forget were even there. But given the history between these two clubs, he’ll likely have to make at least one season-defining decision.
Watch the way he communicates with the captains early on. If he’s smiling and relaxed, it’s going to be a good game. If he’s stern from the first whistle, expect a shower of yellow cards. Either way, the "hero" of the AFCON final is ready for his second act.
Keep an eye on the official CAF channels for any last-minute changes to the officiating roster, though it’s highly unlikely they’ll swap Ndala out now. The match kicks off soon, and all eyes—and all the pressure—will be on the man from the DR Congo. He’s been here before, and he knows exactly what’s at stake.
