AFCON: DRC federation backs controversial referee Ndala

The Congolese Association Football Federation (FECOFA) has backed the performance of referees Jean-Jacques Ndala, Gulyain Ngila and Gradel Mbilizi following the ill-tempered 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco on Sunday.

90+4| ❌𝐍𝐎 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋

Senegal strikes but it won’t count; foul in the buildup!#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 #UBCAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/L3f8xkjO0c

— UBC UGANDA (@ubctvuganda) January 18, 2026

Ndala stirred debate after he disallowed a goal for Senegal for a push on a defender for Morocco in the penalty box. A few minutes later, a similar incident occurred and Ndala pointed to the penalty spot.

Both teams felt aggrieved by the Congolese referee with a legislator in Morocco calling for the arrest of the 2026 FIFA World Cup-bound whistle man for shattering Moroccan dreams.

Despite such criticism, FECOFA has released a statement congratulating the officiating panel for an excellent performance during the AFCON final.

Congolese FA lauds Ndala’s professionalism at AFCON

“Following your tenacity, professionalism, and exemplary integrity throughout the 25th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, I would like to extend, on my own behalf and on behalf of all the members of the FECOFA Normalization Committee, my sincere and warmest congratulations,” reads the statement.

“You officiated brilliantly during high-level matches, marked by intense competition and considerable pressure. Your rigorous match management, composure, technical mastery, and strong sense of refereeing ethics were unanimously praised.

“You have honored Congolese refereeing and defended our country’s colors with dignity. I urge you to continue on this path of excellence and to continue to represent the DRC admirably in the various international competitions where you will be called upon to officiate. On behalf of all football fans, I wish you an even more brilliant career, crowned with success and recognition.”

Message d’encouragement au trio arbitral congolais à l’occasion de la 35e édition de la CAN Maroc 2025.#FecofaRdc #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/R95uDM4eF4

— Fecofa RDC_Officiel (@FecofaRdc) January 20, 2026

Senegal stunned the hosts 1-0 in extra-time of an ill-tempered final that saw the Atlas Lions miss a penalty through Brahim Diaz. Left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf had pushed down the Real Madrid star in the box with a few minutes to full-time.

Before Diaz took the penalty, which goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved, Coach Pape Thiaw ordered his troops off the turf in protest over the referee’s decision to award the hosts the penalty following a VAR review.

Sadio Mané intervened to recall his team-mates from the dressing room some 10 minutes later. Eventually, Pape Gueye scored the ultimate clincher early in extra time.