Morocco Files Complaint Over Refereeing in WAFCON Final Loss to Super Falcons

Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF) has officially lodged a complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), alleging refereeing injustices during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, where Nigeria secured a dramatic 3-2 victory to win a record-extending 10th title.

The complaint centers on a key moment in the 82nd minute of the match, played at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, when the score was level at 2-2. Moroccan players and staff believed they had earned a penalty following a potential handball by Nigerian defender Tosin Demehin. Although the referee initially awarded the spot kick, the decision was overturned after a VAR review—prompting visible frustration from Morocco’s bench.

The FRMF argues the reversal disrupted the momentum of the match, which ultimately swung in Nigeria’s favor. Head coach Jorge Vilda, who previously led Spain to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title, expressed disappointment over the incident. “It was a small detail that cost us the game,” he said, also citing second-half fatigue as a factor in the team’s collapse.

Nigeria’s head coach Justine Madugu acknowledged Morocco’s strong start but praised his team’s resilience and tactical adjustments. “The players who came off the bench made the difference,” he said, adding that Morocco’s women’s side has a “promising future.”

Morocco had raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half, but the Super Falcons stormed back after the break with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and substitute Jennifer Echegini completing a memorable comeback. With the result, Morocco became the first host nation to lose in back-to-back WAFCON finals.

In the third-place playoff, Ghana’s Black Queens overcame South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Morocco will now turn its attention to hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking the country’s second time as tournament host since 1988, when Cameroon edged Nigeria 1-0 in the final.