WAFCON Controversy: Morocco Petitions CAF Over Super Falcons’ 3-2 Comeback Victory
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has lodged a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over alleged refereeing injustices in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, which saw Nigeria’s Super Falcons claim a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory.
According to Morocco World News, the FRMF is contesting a controversial decision in the 82nd minute of the match, played at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, when the scores were level at 2-2.
OTN News further reports as gathered that the Moroccan side argued that the referee failed to award a “clear” penalty following a suspected handball by Nigerian defender, Tosin Demehin, inside the box.
Although the referee initially pointed to the spot, she reversed her decision after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), a move that ignited anger among Moroccan players and coaching staff.
The FRMF insists the call significantly affected the outcome of the final, which ended in favour of Nigeria, who clinched their record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
OTN News observes that the Morocco’s head coach, Jorge Vilda, who guided Spain to their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup triumph, expressed disappointment with the officiating.
“It was a small detail that cost us the game,” Vilda said, while also admitting that physical exhaustion played a role in his team’s second-half collapse.
OTN News recalls that the Atlas Lionesses started the final strongly, surging to a 2-0 lead in the first half.
However, Nigeria mounted a powerful comeback after the break. Esther Okoronkwo sparked the revival, followed by an equaliser from Folashade Ijamilusi, before substitute Jennifer Echegini sealed the win for the Super Falcons.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s head coach, Justine Madugu, commended Morocco’s early dominance but credited his team’s tactical changes and impactful substitutions for the turnaround.
“The substitutions made a significant difference,” Madugu said. “Morocco have a bright future ahead.”
OTN News further observes that the loss marked a bitter milestone for Morocco, who became the first host nation to lose back-to-back WAFCON finals.
In the third-place match, Ghana’s Black Queens edged out South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
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