Morocco 2025 AFCON Refereeing Controversy: Regragui Rejects Bias Claims After Cameroon Win

Is it home-field advantage or something more? Morocco head coach Walid Regragui is firing back at critics as his side marches toward the 2025 AFCON semifinals amidst a whirlwind of refereeing disputes. Despite a convincing scoreline, the hosts' victory has been clouded by allegations of favorable treatment on their home turf.

Morocco 2025 AFCON Refereeing Controversy Intensifies After Cameroon Victory

During the quarterfinals on Friday, January 9, 2026, Morocco secured a 2-0 win over Cameroon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. However, the match wasn't without drama. Referee Dahane Beida notably waved away two penalty claims from the Indomitable Lions. Morocco defender Adam Masina appeared to make contact with Bryan Mbuemo's boot and was later involved in a high-elbow incident in the penalty area.

"We’re the team to beat," Regragui stated after the match, angrily rejecting suggestions of bias. He argued that Morocco's only true advantage is the support of 65,000 spectators. Regragui emphasized that his team creates far more opportunities than their opponents and that no goals were unfairly disallowed for Cameroon.

Patterns of Disputed Decisions

This isn't the first time officiating has sparked debate this tournament. Mali and Tanzania also had penalty claims rejected against Morocco in previous rounds. In contrast, the Atlas Lions benefited from a VAR check that awarded them a penalty during their draw with Mali. The intimidating atmosphere of the 70,000-capacity stadium in Rabat is increasingly seen by rivals as a factor that could influence match officials.