Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF) has lodged a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), claiming “refereeing injustices” in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
According to Morocco World News, the FRMF argued that the centre referee failed to award a “clear” penalty in the 82nd minute when the score stood at 2-2.
Video footage suggested a possible handball by Nigerian defender Tosin Demehin. However, after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, the referee reversed her initial decision.
Morocco’s coaching staff and players expressed their frustration, insisting that the decision heavily influenced the match’s outcome, which ended in a 3-2 victory for the Super Falcons.
Moroccan head coach Jorge Vilda, who guided Spain to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title, admitted after the match: “It was a small detail that cost us the game.” While usually reserved on officiating matters, he also noted that fatigue contributed to his team’s second-half collapse.
In contrast, Nigeria’s head coach, Justine Madugu, commended Morocco’s strong first-half display but credited tactical changes at half-time for altering the game.
“The substitutions made a huge difference,” he said. “Morocco have a bright future ahead.”
The final at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium saw Morocco take a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half. But the Super Falcons staged a spirited comeback, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and substitute Jennifer Echegini sealing the win.
This loss made the Atlas Lionesses the first host nation to suffer back-to-back WAFCON final defeats. Nigeria’s triumph secured a record 10th WAFCON title.
In the third-place play-off, Ghana’s Black Queens defeated former champions South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
