- Kenyan referee Stephen Yiembe to officiate VAR in the AFCON 2025 final on Sunday night.
- Host nation Morocco will take on Senegal on Sunday, January 18, in the blockbuster final to be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
- Kick-off is scheduled for 10:00 pm EAT / 8:00 pm local time.
Kenyan referee Stephen Yiembe will be among the elite match officials selected for duty in the anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final on Sunday night, when host nation Morocco faces Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Yiembe, a seasoned Kenyan official, has been part of the contingent representing Kenya at the continental showpiece in Morocco.
He, along with three other Kenyans; Peter Waweru Kamaku, Dicken Mimisa, and Gilbert Cheriyout, has served among the tournament’s match officials since it commenced last December.
ALSO READ: Senegal vs Morocco prediction: AFCON 2025 final preview, team news, key stats, lineups & h2h
Kenyan referee Stephen Yiembe to officiate VAR in the AFCON 2025 final
After also serving during Wednesday’s semifinal between Morocco and Nigeria, Yiembe has been assigned once again as an assistant referee for the VAR team.
The VAR crew will be led by Pierre Ghislain Atcho as the main VAR official, alongside Letticia Viana.
The thrilling encounter will be officiated by a Congolese team, led by center referee Jacques Ngambo with assistance from Bongele Ngila.
Mwanya Mbilizi will serve as the second assistant, Styven Moyo as the third assistant, and South African Abongile Tom as the fourth official. Rene Danile Louzaya will act as the referee assessor.
Senegal vs Morocco AFCON 2025 Final
The match promises to be a captivating spectacle as two African giants lock horns in what is expected to be a packed stadium.
Hosts Morocco are pursuing their second AFCON title, having last won in 1976, and will leverage home advantage in their quest to clinch the trophy.
Senegal, meanwhile, will contest their fourth final and their first since 2021, when they secured their maiden title.
The Lions of Teranga also reached the final in 2002 and 2019. This will be the third time they face a North African side in the final, having previously played Algeria (2019) and Egypt (2021).
The two teams arrive in contrasting form, though both boast considerable squad depth, setting the stage for a fascinating contest.
Expect an intense battle throughout regulation time, and do not be surprised if the match extends into extra time or even penalties.
Notably, the last three host nations to reach the final have lifted the trophy: Tunisia in 2004, Egypt in 2006, and Côte d’Ivoire in 2023.