Jean-Jacques Ndala: a controversial referee with a loaded track record | OneFootball

Jean-Jacques Ndala, a controversial referee

Jean-Jacques Ndala/@Ouest France

Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala failed to win over the crowd during the grand final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025).

His performance drew a wave of criticism on social media, with countless football fans accusing him of spoiling the celebration of African football.

Accused of unfairly disallowing a legitimate goal for Senegal, Ndala appeared to lose control and was unable to assert his authority over the 22 players on the pitch.

It should be noted that Jean-Jacques Ndala comes with a rather heavy track record, having made some monumental blunders, especially in the CAF Champions League, as evidenced by the following videos.

A dubious penalty awarded to Al Ahly (Egypt) against Raja (Morocco) in the 2022 CAF Champions League

A penalty denied to Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia) against Al Ahly (Egypt) in the second leg of the 2025 CAF Champions League final

A goal by Angolan side Petro tainted by a foul against Espérance de Tunis in the 2026 CAF Champions League.