Support from the Congo Federation
The Congolese Football Federation publicly backed referee Jean-Jacques Ndala after the stormy reception he faced following the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
The Moroccan response
Ndala came under heavy criticism, particularly from Morocco, after the Atlas Lions lost 1-0 in a final clouded by controversy and tension.
Praise for Ndala and ongoing debate
Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, urged Ndala’s suspension amid the chaotic scenes surrounding the final. The Moroccan federation argued Ndala should have ended the match earlier after Senegalese players walked off in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco.
According to Africa-focused journalist Miki Junior, the Congolese Federation praised Ndala for his performance at AFCON 2025 held in Morocco, describing it as outstanding and highlighting his professionalism, composure, and strong refereeing ethics.
The Congolese federation said Ndala proudly represented the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the continental stage and honoured Congolese refereeing traditions.
And now a touch of light humor to wrap things up: if refereeing were a sport, Ndala would have earned a gold whistle. And if patience were a whistle, he blew it at the perfect tempo—calm, collected, and somehow preventing the crowd from rearranging the rules in real time.
