Kenyan Referee To Officiate AFCON Final, Senegal Vs Morocco
Kenyan referee Stephen Eleazar Yiembe has earned a prestigious assignment as part of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final, set to take place on Sunday night.
The high-stakes showdown pits host nation Morocco against Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, with kick-off scheduled for 10:00 pm EAT (8:00 pm local time). This blockbuster clash sees the Atlas Lions chasing their second continental crown—50 years after their 1976 triumph—while the Teranga Lions aim to reclaim the title they last lifted in 2021.
Yiembe, a FIFA-accredited official and one of four Kenyans selected for the tournament, joins a strong Kenyan contingent that has impressed throughout AFCON 2025. He previously officiated in key matches, including Wednesday's semifinal between Morocco and Nigeria, where he served on the VAR team, as well as earlier knockout games such as the Round of 16 encounter between Cameroon and South Africa.
For the final, the on-field refereeing duties fall to a Congolese team led by center referee Jean Jacques Ngambo Ndala, assisted by Guylain Bongele Ngila (first assistant), Gradel Mwanya Mbilizi (second assistant), and Styven Moyo (fourth official from Guinea). South Africa's Abongile Tom heads the VAR crew, supported by Pierre Ghislain Atcho (main VAR), Letticia Viana (Assistant VAR 1), and Yiembe as Assistant VAR 2. René Daniel Louzaya serves as the referee assessor.
Yiembe's selection underscores the growing confidence in Kenyan officiating on the continental stage. Alongside him, referees Peter Waweru Kamaku, Dickens Mimisa, and Gilbert Cheruiyot have also featured prominently, handling group-stage, knockout, and semifinal assignments with composure.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has praised Yiembe's achievement, highlighting it as a proud moment for the nation. His role in the final caps a successful tournament for Kenyan match officials, who have contributed to several high-profile games amid intense competition.
As Morocco seeks to join the ranks of host nations that have won the trophy in recent editions (Tunisia 2004, Egypt 2006, Côte d'Ivoire 2023), and Senegal looks to add to their legacy in finals against North African opposition, all eyes will be on the officials—including Yiembe—to ensure a fair and flawless contest in what promises to be a thrilling finale.
