Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF) has officially submitted a petition to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), alleging “refereeing injustices” during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
As reported by Morocco World News, the FRMF claimed that the Centre Referee failed to award a “clear” penalty in the 82nd minute, with the score level at 2-2 during the finals.
Video evidence suggested a potential handball by Super Falcons defender Tosin Demehin, but following a video assistant referee (VAR) review, the referee overturned her initial decision.
Following the incident, Morocco’s coaching staff and players expressed their frustration as the federation contended that the referee’s decision significantly impacted the match’s outcome, which ultimately saw the Super Falcons’ 3-2 triumph.
Moroccan head coach, Jorge Vilda, who previously led Spain to victory at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, remarked after the match: “It was a small detail that cost us the game.”
Vilda, typically reticent on refereeing issues, also acknowledged that fatigue contributed to his team’s second-half collapse.
In contrast, Nigeria’s coach, Justine Madugu, praised Morocco for their strong first-half performance and noted that tactical adjustments at half-time changed the game’s trajectory in favour of his side.
“The substitutions made a significant difference,” he stated. “Morocco have a bright future ahead.”
The final, held at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, saw Morocco establish a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half.
However, the Super Falcons emerged revitalised in the second half, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and substitute Jennifer Echegini turning the tide.
With this defeat, the Atlas Lionesses marked an unfortunate milestone as the first hosts to lose consecutive WAFCON finals.
The victory secured a record-extending 10th WAFCON title for the Super Falcons.
In the third-place play-off, the Black Queens of Ghana emerged victorious, defeating former champions Banyana Banyana of South Africa on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
