Morocco Lodges Complaint to CAF After WAFCON Final Loss to Super Falcons
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- 02.08.2025
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Morocco Lodges Complaint to CAF After WAFCON Final Loss to Super Falcons
The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has filed an official complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), citing “refereeing injustices” during the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which saw Nigeria’s Super Falcons claim a dramatic 3-2 victory.
According to Morocco World News, the FRMF specifically referenced a controversial moment in the 82nd minute when the score was tied at 2-2. The Moroccan side believed they were denied a clear penalty after a potential handball by Nigerian defender Tosin Demehin. Although the referee initially pointed to the spot, a VAR review overturned the decision—sparking immediate frustration from Morocco’s coaching staff and players.
The Moroccan federation claims the reversal shifted the momentum of the match, which Nigeria ultimately won in the closing stages.
Head coach Jorge Vilda, who famously led Spain to a FIFA Women’s World Cup title in 2023, voiced his disappointment: “It was a small detail that cost us the game.” He also noted that fatigue affected his players in the second half.
In contrast, Nigeria’s head coach Justine Madugu praised Morocco’s strong start but credited halftime tactical changes for his team’s turnaround.
“The players who came off the bench made the difference,” he said. “Morocco have a promising future.”
The final, held at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, saw Morocco take a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half. However, the Super Falcons responded with a powerful second-half display, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and substitute Jennifer Echegini sealing a stunning comeback victory.
With the win, Nigeria claimed a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, while Morocco became the first host nation to lose in back-to-back WAFCON finals.
In the third-place match, Ghana’s Black Queens defeated South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Morocco will next welcome the continent’s top male footballers as host of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). It will mark the country’s second time hosting the tournament, the first being in 1988, when Cameroon defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the final.
Key Issues Raised in the Complaint
According to the official statement released by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), the following points were raised in the letter of protest sent to CAF:
- Alleged referee bias against Moroccan players, particularly in awarding fouls and penalties.
- Disallowed goal in the first half, which the FRMF claims was legitimate.
- Lack of proper use of VAR technology during key moments of the match.
- Unfair treatment from match officials toward Moroccan coaching staff on the sidelines.
In their letter, the FRMF demanded a thorough investigation into the referee’s conduct and requested that CAF put measures in place to prevent such occurrences in future tournaments. The Moroccan FA emphasized that while they accept the outcome of the match, they believe fair play and transparency must be upheld to protect the integrity of African women’s football.
CAF’s Expected Response
As of now, CAF has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and has stated that it is currently under review. A CAF official, speaking anonymously, mentioned that the governing body takes all complaints seriously and will follow due process before issuing a formal response or sanctions—if any are warranted.
This is not the first time refereeing decisions have sparked controversy in African football, and calls for improvements in officiating standards are growing louder across the continent. Football analysts believe CAF may need to revise its officiating training and disciplinary frameworks to avoid future disputes, especially in high-stakes tournaments like WAFCON.
Nigeria Celebrates Victory
Meanwhile, back in Nigeria, celebrations erupted nationwide as the Super Falcons once again proved their dominance on the continent. The victory not only secured their place as Africa’s most successful women’s football team but also earned them automatic qualification for the 2026 Women’s World Cup.
While Morocco processes its disappointment and waits for CAF’s verdict, the WAFCON final will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most heated and memorable clashes in African women’s football.
