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CONTROVERSIAL REFEREEING DECISIONS MAR FINAL OF 2024 WOMEN’S AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS
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CapitalTimesNews / 3 weeks
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- 2 min read
The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final between Nigeria and Morocco was marred by controversy over contentious refereeing decisions, particularly involving the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Despite a thrilling 3-2 comeback win for Nigeria, the match was overshadowed by disputed calls that left players, coaches, and fans questioning the officiating. The turning point came in the 63rd minute when Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa awarded a penalty to Nigeria after Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina was judged to have handled the ball inside the box. The decision was made after a VAR review, but many believed the ball had merely glanced Benzina’s torso. Nigerian player Esther Okoronkwo converted the penalty, sparking outrage among the Moroccan team and fans. Morocco also had a penalty claim rejected in the same half. A visible handball by Nigeria’s Oluwatosin Demehin led to a penalty being awarded, only to be overturned after an extended VAR consultation. Moroccan football analyst Sami El-Hamidi expressed his shock, saying, “If that’s not a handball, then what is? The technology should clarify the game, not cloud it.” The officiating crew, composed entirely of women, had been praised before the match for representing CAF’s push to empower female officials. However, the events of the final shifted the narrative. Sports columnist Leïla Zahidi said, “We celebrate progress, but not at the cost of fairness. This final deserved better officiating. Morocco was robbed.” Social media erupted with criticism of the officiating, with many calling for better refereeing in African football. One fan wrote, “African football deserves better. VAR should not be used to protect bad refereeing.” Another commentator, Monsif, said, “Today, the Moroccan women’s national team has faced the greatest injustice.” Despite the controversy, Nigeria celebrated their win, but the debate over the refereeing decisions is likely to continue.
