Top 10 CAF Referees to Watch at AFCON 2025: Profiles, Nationalities & Highlights

AFCON 2025 Match Officials Revealed: 10 Referees Everyone Will Talk About

The countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) is on, scheduled to kick off on 21 December 2025 in Morocco. As tensions, expectations, and the quality of African football rise, eyes are not just on the players, but also on the men and women in charge of the whistle. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has already announced a roster of 73 match officials (28 referees, 31 assistant referees, and 14 VAR/Video Match Officials) selected for the tournament.

Below are 10 referees - among the selected - who stand out as those most likely to make headlines at AFCON 2025. Their backgrounds, experience, and recent form make them prime candidates to be centre stage in crucial fixtures.

Top 10 Referees to Watch at AFCON 2025

Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)

• Ghorbal is one of the most technically refined referees in Africa. He has officiated in recent World Cup qualifiers and major continental fixtures.

• Because of his strong game-management and consistency, many expect him to be appointed to high-stakes knockout matches, potentially even the final.

Jean‑Jacques Ndala (DR Congo)

• Known for his calm and composed presence under pressure, Ndala has become a go-to official for high-pressure derbies and continent-spanning fixtures.

• His disciplined style means he’s a strong candidate for late-stage games, especially if big-name nations clash.

Jalal Jayed (Morocco)

• As one of the home-nation referees, Jayed brings both experience and strong familiarity with local atmospheres, major pluses for high-tension matches.

• With previous experience in continental club competitions, he could be entrusted with key knockout games, especially if Morocco progresses deep into the tournament.

Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea (Ghana)

• Laryea is regarded as one of Africa’s most consistent referees, blending calm match control with a good sense for letting play flow, ideal for attractive, attacking football.

• His appointment signals CAF’s confidence in him; he could be assigned group matches where stake and drama meet.

Amin Mohamed Omar (Egypt)

• A veteran with extensive experience, Omar’s tactical reading and match-management skills are well-suited for tight, tactical clashes often seen at AFCON.

• His presence among the selected referees adds depth to CAF’s officiating pool and suggests he may be a reliable pick for knockout matches.

Abongile Tom (South Africa)

• Tom represents the newer generation of African referees, fast, communicative, and comfortable with modern officiating standards including VAR usage.

• He could be among the surprise names to handle group-stage matches or mid-tier knockout fixtures, especially where pace and discipline are key.

Adalbert Diouf (Senegal)

• Known for physical fitness and solid disciplinary sense, Diouf is well-suited for intense West African derbies and competitive matchups.

• Such traits make him a possible candidate where heated rivalry or physical play is expected, think Nigeria vs Ghana or Ivory Coast vs Senegal-type contests.

Mahmood Ali Mahmood Ismail (Sudan)

• Representing a less globally-heralded refereeing nation, Ismail’s recent selection speaks to CAF’s confidence in his ability to manage high-level fixtures with minimal controversy.

• He may draw attention if assigned to matches involving underdog teams, especially where calm and fairness are critical.

Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)

• Hailing from a smaller football nation, Ndabihawenimana’s inclusion underscores CAF’s commitment to continental diversity.

• If assigned to group-stage fixtures or matches involving lesser-known teams, he may find himself in spotlight as one of the “underdog” referees - a storyline fans often watch closely.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan (Somalia)

• Recently crowned among the “Best Referees in Africa”, Artan’s selection signals his rising stock and growing recognition on the continental stage.

• His appointment could inspire positive narratives - possibly becoming one of AFCON 2025’s breakout refereeing stories.

What to Watch - Broader Context & What This Means for AFCON 2025

• The selection of 73 match officials from across Africa reflects CAF’s aim for refereeing excellence and fairness ahead of the tournament.

• The inclusion of referees from both powerhouse and modest football nations shows a conscious effort to balance experienced, high-profile officials with fresh faces, ensuring diversity and giving emerging referees a platform.

• Officials are expected to arrive in Morocco by 15 December 2025 for intensive preparatory training covering physical, technical, and VAR-related assessments.

• With only 28 central referees selected, each match is likely to see trusted names - meaning performances at the group and knockout stages could define referee reputations for years.

Why These Picks Matter

AFCON isn’t just a showcase for African football talent - it’s also a platform where referees can cement their legacy. The referees above blend experience, consistency, and rising momentum. Whether it’s a final, a heated derby, or a match between underdogs, these officials are the ones most likely to influence, and be influenced by - the tournament’s drama.

For fans, pundits, and observers, tracking their assignments may be as compelling as watching the teams themselves.

About the Author

Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.

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