The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has filed an official protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following a controversial VAR-assisted call during Morocco’s 3–2 loss to Nigeria in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The flashpoint came in the second half, with the match level at 2–2, when Nigerian defender Tosin Demehin was initially judged to have committed a handball inside the box. Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa pointed to the spot, but the decision was later overturned after a VAR review led by Rwandan official Salima Mukansanga. The referee was advised to consult the pitch-side monitor and eventually ruled that there was no handball infringement.
The FRMF, however, is alleging that there were procedural flaws in the VAR review. According to a report by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, a senior Moroccan official speaking anonymously accused the VAR team of deliberately omitting key footage.
“There are very serious statements from the match producer, who said that the VAR referee refused to take the sequences that clearly show and prove that there was an obvious penalty,” the official claimed.
“We are fully aware that the match will not be replayed, of course, but it is unacceptable to see such behavior from someone responsible for VAR. VAR is there to correct mistakes. It is not there for anything else.”
That decision appeared to be the turning point in the match. Within minutes, Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo assisted substitute Jennifer Echegini, who netted the decisive goal to secure a record-extending 10th WAFCON title for the Super Falcons.
CAF is yet to issue an official response to Morocco’s protest.
