The wait is finally over. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially kicks off this Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the beautiful Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
To ensure the tournament starts on a high note, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has chosen one of the most respected officials on the continent to take charge of the opening match between the hosts, Morocco, and Comoros.
A Trusted Leader: Jean-Jacques Ndala
Jean-Jacques Ndala, a 38-year-old referee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, will be the man in the middle. This is a huge honor for Ndala, but he is no stranger to the big stage. This will be his fourth consecutive AFCON tournament, having previously officiated in 2019, 2021, and 2023. 
Ndala is known for being calm under pressure, which will be vital as he handles a loud, passionate home crowd in Rabat.
The Officiating Team
Ndala won’t be alone. He will be supported by a highly skilled team to ensure every call is correct:
- Assistant Referees: Guylain Bongele Ngila and Mwanya Gradel Mbilizi (both from DR Congo).
- VAR Lead: The experienced Dahane Beida from Mauritania will be in charge of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties.
Tournament Overview
The 35th edition of AFCON is set to be a spectacular event. Running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the tournament features 24 countries competing across Morocco. With the opening ceremony scheduled just before the 8:00 PM (local time) kickoff, the world will be watching as Africa’s finest football talent begins the battle for the trophy.
