WAFCON: Morocco petitions CAF, says Ref helped Super Falcons win

The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF), alleging officiating errors during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, where Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a 3-2 comeback victory.

According to Morocco World News, the FRMF is challenging a controversial moment in the 82nd minute of the match, when a potential handball by Nigerian defender Tosin Demehin inside the box was initially flagged for a penalty.

However, following a VAR review, the referee overturned her decision, sparking frustration from the Moroccan bench.

Morocco’s head coach, Jorge Vilda  who previously led Spain to World Cup glory in 2023 expressed disappointment after the game, saying, “It was a small detail that cost us the game.”

Though known for staying clear of refereeing controversies, Vilda also admitted that fatigue played a role in his team’s second-half decline.

The final, played at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, saw the Atlas Lionesses dominate early, taking a 2-0 lead before halftime.

But Nigeria stormed back with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and substitute Jennifer Echegini to seal the win and lift their record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

Nigeria’s coach, Justine Madugu, credited tactical changes at the break for his team’s turnaround.

“The substitutions made a significant difference,” he said, while also commending Morocco for their strong showing in the first half.

This latest loss marks a disappointing record for Morocco, making them the first host nation to lose back-to-back WAFCON finals.

Meanwhile, in the third-place playoff, Ghana’s Black Queens edged out South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

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