Morocco – Senegal affair: A Cameroonian legend comes to the aid of Jean Jacques Ndala

Joseph-Antoine Bell, former captain of Cameroon’s “Indomitable Lions,” has stepped up to defend Congolese referee Jean Jacques Ndala, who officiated the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) between Senegal and Morocco.

The man in black came under heavy fire on social media after his refereeing performance, which many football fans called disastrous.

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Nevertheless, the Cameroonian football legend did not hesitate to defend him in a statement given to France 24.

The man of the match is the referee (Jean Jacques Ndala). The only one who didn’t come with emotions. The only one who didn’t arrive with preconceived ideas. The only one who didn’t bring any biases. VAR is there to assist referees. So, when the referee doesn’t need assistance, he doesn’t go to VAR.

A tribute that is unlikely to please Senegalese fans, who still believe they were the victims of a conspiracy by the Congolese referee during the AFCON final.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations