Morocco Coach Accuses Referee Bias Against Hosts Ahead of Semifinals

Morocco Advances to Semifinals with 2-0 Win Over Cameroon

Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, advancing to the semifinals. Morocco coach Walid Regragui attributed his team’s success to their performance on the field.

Regragui stated that he believes his team is the one to beat and that people will try to find reasons to suggest they have an advantage due to favorable refereeing decisions. However, he emphasized that the only real advantage Morocco has is playing in front of a large crowd at home.

Two potential penalties were not awarded to Cameroon, with referee Dahane Beida deciding against awarding them after Adam Masina appeared to catch Bryan Mbuemo’s right boot and strike Etta Eyong’s head with his elbow. Regragui acknowledged that he saw these incidents as potential penalties but did not comment on the referees.

In a previous tournament, Morocco was awarded a penalty against South Africa despite being suspended for two games due to a dispute with Congo captain Chancel Mbemba. Regragui also mentioned that statistics show his team creates more opportunities than their opponents and that they have been awarded penalties in other games.

Morocco has played all its matches at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where the home crowd’s support can be intimidating for opponents and referees. Regragui stated that Cameroon played well but ultimately lost to a better team. Morocco will face either Nigeria or Algeria in the semifinals on Wednesday, with the final taking place at the same stadium on January 18.

Morocco has become one of the heavy favorites to win the tournament, having reached the semifinals of the previous FIFA World Cup as an African nation.

Source: Al Jazeera