Morocco FA Files Petition Against Referee Over Missed VAR Call in WAFCON Final, Despite Laser Interference by Moroccan Fans

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has formally filed a petition to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following defeat in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. The petition mainly concerns the Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa’s decision to overturn Morocco’s penalty appeal in the 82nd minute, when the score was tied at 2–2.

Morocco FA alleged that video replays appeared to show an apparent handball by Nigeria inside the box. Yet, after VAR review, the call was not upheld, prompting outrage from the Moroccan bench and players, insisting the decision tilted the final in Nigeria’s favour.

Morocco FA emphasises that the incident had a decisive impact on the outcome, asserting that the referee’s refusal to award a spot-kick altered the trajectory of the match, with Nigeria going on to complete a stunning comeback and claim their record‑extending 10th WAFCON crown.

Compounding the controversy, Morocco’s run through WAFCON was marred by reports of laser interference on their opponents during their semifinal match against Ghana and the final against Nigeria. Laser lights were reportedly aimed at Nigerian players during the final, sparking concerns over match integrity and player safety.

Observers have criticised the use of laser devices inside the stadium, claiming they disrupted players’ focus and contributed to officiating pressure. CAF had previously issued warnings against the use of laser light ahead of WAFCON matches hosted in Morocco.

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