By Fresh Facts Correspondent-
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has lodged an official protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following Morocco’s 3-2 loss to Nigeria in a dramatic final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco.
The Atlas Lionesses, still reeling from their 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the 2022 WAFCON final, were again denied a historic title on home soil in a match marred by controversy, particularly surrounding a critical refereeing decision in the 71st minute.
Tempers flared when Morocco, having just equalized to bring the score to 2-2, saw a goal-bound effort from Nantes forward Imane Saoud strike the arm of a Nigerian defender inside the penalty area. Initially, Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa awarded a penalty to the hosts, but the decision was reversed after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
The reversal sparked outrage in the Moroccan camp, with accusations of a “refereeing scandal” quickly dominating social and traditional media discourse. FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa confronted referee Twanyanyukwa live on air shortly after the match, accusing her of denying Morocco a clear opportunity to take the lead. His heated exchange was interrupted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who urged him to maintain decorum.
Adding to the controversy, Hassan Boutabssil, Director of Morocco’s Arryadia TV, alleged that key VAR footage was deliberately withheld from the on-field referee. He claimed that while television replays clearly showed a handball, the referee was only presented with two unclear angles during the review process.
“The FRMF will file an official complaint with CAF. VAR deliberately deprived Morocco of a clear penalty. Replays broadcast on TV showed the handball clearly, but the referee was only shown two blurred angles,” Boutabssil stated.
While CAF has yet to officially respond, reports suggest that VAR officials involved in the match may face investigation and possible sanctions if found guilty of misconduct. However, such disciplinary actions would not affect the final outcome, leaving Moroccan players and fans deeply disappointed.
Nigeria, meanwhile, celebrated a record 10th WAFCON title, solidifying their dominance in African women’s football. But the final’s controversy has cast a shadow over the victory, raising fresh concerns about the consistency and transparency of officiating standards in African football tournaments.
As the dust settles, all eyes now turn to CAF and FIFA, with stakeholders across the continent awaiting the outcome of Morocco’s protest and any potential reforms to VAR procedures ahead of future tournaments.
