The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially lodged a protest over the refereeing decisions made during the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Nigeria, according to Morocco World News.
The Atlas Lionesses suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss after taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half, only for the Super Falcons to mount a stunning second-half comeback.
The most controversial moment came in the 82nd minute when Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa initially awarded Morocco a penalty, only to overturn the decision following a lengthy VAR review. The FRMF has strongly questioned the reversal.
In addition, the federation is contesting the 63rd-minute penalty awarded to Nigeria after a handball by Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina. The FRMF argues that the decision significantly impacted the outcome of the match, which Nigeria eventually won 3-2.
Concerns have also been raised over the quality and variety of VAR footage used during the review process, with Moroccan officials alleging that only limited angles were available, prompting suspicion of bias.
They insist replays suggested the ball may have struck Benzina’s side rather than her arm, yet the penalty stood and was comfortably converted by Esther Okoronkwo.
VAR duties for the final were handled by Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga, with Letticia Viana of Eswatini as AVAR 1 and Zambia’s Diana Chikotesha as AVAR 2.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to issue a public response to the Moroccan Football Federation’s complaint.
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