Moroccan head coach refutes biased AFCON officiating claims

The head coach of the Moroccan football team, Walid Regragui, rejected claims his side has benefited from favourable refereeing decisions throughout the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after The Atlas Lions 2-0 win over Cameroon on 9th January, according to a report by Africanews via AP and EBU.

During a post-match interview, Morocco’s Head Coach responded sharply when asked whether his team had been beneficiaries of biased officiating.

“We’re the team to beat. As the team to beat, people will try to find all sorts of reasons to say Morocco has an advantage,” he said, whilst adding: “The only advantage that Morocco has at this Africa Cup is playing in front of 65,000 spectators. The rest is on the field, we speak on the field.”

The comments came after two Cameroonian penalty appeals were waved away by experienced referee, Dahanee Beida.

Morocco defender, Adam Masina, was involved in both incidents, appearing to make contact with Bryan Mbeumo’s right foot as Cameroon attempted to score an equaliser, and in the final minutes as his elbow made contact with Etta Eyong’s head in the penalty area.

Regragui refused to comment on the penalty appeals, stating: “Personally, I saw penalties that could have been awarded to us. As for the referees, I never talk about the referee,” he said, before referencing a penalty that was not awarded for Morocco against South Africa at the previous tournament in Cote D’Ivoire.

The Atlas Lions have played all of their matches at the 68,700 capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with most fans in attendance cheering on Morocco, leading to a hostile environment for opponents and referees.

The stadium was recently refurbished as part of a government objective to make Morocco Africa’s leading football nation, with the creation of stadia providing a world-class fan experience a key feature.

The Moroccan Head Coach maintained Cameroon had lost against a “better team,” claiming his side had “deserved” their victory.

Africanews, TRT Afrika, Maghrebi.org