Morocco files CAF complaint over VAR decision in WAFCON final loss to Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
They claim a reversed penalty call at 2-2 changed the game’s momentum and final outcome.
The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has lodged a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), citing alleged officiating errors during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, where Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a 3-2 comeback win.
The FRMF complaint focuses on a controversial incident in the 82nd minute of the match, played at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, when the score was level at 2-2. Moroccan players and officials believed they were denied a clear penalty following a possible handball by Nigeria’s Tosin Demehin. Though the referee initially awarded a penalty, a subsequent VAR review overturned the decision, fueling frustration from the Moroccan bench.
According to Morocco World News, the FRMF claims the overturned call disrupted their momentum and directly influenced the outcome of the game.
Morocco’s head coach, Jorge Vilda, who guided Spain to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title, expressed his disappointment after the match. “It was a small detail that cost us the game,” he said, while also admitting that fatigue hindered his team’s second-half performance.
Nigeria’s head coach, Justine Madugu, acknowledged Morocco’s strong first half but praised his team’s tactical response. “The players who came off the bench made the difference,” he said. Morocco has a promising future.”
The match saw Morocco take a 2-0 lead by halftime, only for Nigeria to mount a robust second-half response. Goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and substitute Jennifer Echegini sealed the Super Falcons’ dramatic victory. The win marked Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, extending their dominance in African women’s football.
Morocco’s defeat also marked the second consecutive time the host nation has lost in the WAFCON final, having previously fallen short in 2022.
Meanwhile, in the third-place match, Ghana’s Black Queens edged South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Looking ahead, Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), returning as tournament hosts for the first time since 1988, when Cameroon beat Nigeria 1-0 in the final.
CAF has not yet responded to Morocco’s complaint regarding the WAFCON final.
