By Kunle Solaja
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has submitted an official protest to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), citing what it described as “refereeing injustices” during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Nigeria.
In a statement released after Saturday night’s dramatic 3-2 defeat at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, the FRMF expressed dismay over the referee’s failure to award a penalty in the 82nd minute when the score was tied at 2-2.
According to Morocco’s complaint, video footage appeared to show a handball by a Nigerian defender inside the box, but following a VAR review, the referee opted to let play continue, prompting immediate protests from Morocco’s bench and players.
The Moroccan federation argued that the controversial decision had a decisive impact on the outcome of the match, which Nigeria went on to win, claiming a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Head coach Jorge Vilda, visibly disappointed after the game, described the incident as “a small detail that cost us the game.”
Though known for avoiding comments on officiating, Vilda admitted that the unawarded penalty and his team’s fatigue contributed to their second-half collapse after taking a commanding 2-0 lead into the break.
Nigeria’s head coach, Justine Madugu, is quoted by Morocco World News, that Morocco had an impressive first-half performance.
He highlighted his side’s halftime tactical changes as crucial to the turnaround.
“The players who came off the bench made the difference,” Madugu said, adding, “Morocco have a promising future.”
The match, played before a packed crowd in the Moroccan capital, was only the Atlas Lionesses’ second appearance in a WAFCON final, underscoring their rapid rise in African women’s football.
Despite the disappointment, the team received royal commendation, with King Mohammed VI issuing a statement congratulating the players on their performance and commending the overall organisation of the tournament and the strong fan support throughout.
Source : www.sportsvillagesquare.com
(vitalnewsngr.com)
