Morocco’s FA Petitions CAF to Suspend Referee Over Controversial WAFCON Final

Morocco’s FA Petitions CAF to Suspend Referee Over Controversial WAFCON Final

The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has formally lodged a petition with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), demanding the suspension of Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa for allegedly failing to award a crucial penalty during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Nigeria’s Super Falcons on July 26, 2025. The petition, reported by Morocco World News, cites “refereeing injustices” that the FRMF claims significantly influenced the match’s outcome, which saw Nigeria clinch a 3-2 victory and their record-extending 10th WAFCON title. The controversy centers on an incident in the 82nd minute at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, with the score tied at 2-2. Referee Twanyanyukwa initially awarded Morocco a penalty after a suspected handball by Nigerian defender Oluwatosin Demehin. However, following a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, the decision was overturned, as replays showed Demehin’s arm was in a natural position and close to her body. This reversal sparked outrage among Morocco’s players, coaching staff, and fans, with head coach Jorge Vilda arguing that the decision had a “psychological impact” on his team, contributing to their eventual defeat.  “We can’t understand the decision made by the referee,” Vilda told ESPN. “The images were clear; we were sure she had to give a penalty. It was taken away from us, and that’s what determined that we weren’t able to celebrate this match.” The FRMF’s petition also questions the VAR process, alleging that the referee was not shown the correct angles and that the decision unfairly favored Nigeria. The match saw Morocco take a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half with goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy. However, Nigeria mounted a stunning second-half comeback, fueled by Esther Okoronkwo’s penalty in the 63rd minute—awarded after a VAR-confirmed handball by Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina—followed by Folashade Ijamilusi’s equalizer and Jennifer Echegini’s 88th-minute winner. Nigeria’s coach, Justine Madugu, credited tactical adjustments and substitutions for the turnaround, while praising Morocco’s strong performance. The FRMF’s petition has ignited debate, with some Moroccan officials and fans labeling the officiating a “VAR scandal.”   Nigeria defender Ashleigh Plumptre dismissed Morocco’s claims, expressing confidence in her team’s resilience, stating, “Even if they had scored, I still had this belief that we’d find a way.” CAF is yet to respond publicly to the petition. As Morocco prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 WAFCON, the controversy could have broader implications for the federation’s relationship with CAF. 

Source: Morocco’s FA Petitions CAF to Suspend Referee Over Controversial WAFCON Final

 - NigerianEye

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