AFCON 2025 saw fresh refereeing controversy on Sunday as Tanzania strongly criticised the officiating following their 1–0 defeat against Morocco in the Round of 16.
At the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the Atlas Lions secured qualification for the quarterfinals thanks to a goal from Brahim Diaz in the 63rd minute, assisted by Achraf Hakimi, who returned to the starting lineup.
While Morocco entered the match as favorites under Walid Regragui, the narrow victory sparked debate.
The main point of contention came late in the game when Adam Masina appeared to foul Iddy Nado inside the penalty area. Referee Boubou Traoré waved play on and did not consult VAR, a decision that angered Tanzanian players, staff, and supporters, who felt a clear penalty had been ignored.
Tanzania head coach Miguel Angel Gamondi voiced his frustration after the match, questioning the lack of VAR intervention and expressing dissatisfaction with several refereeing decisions.
Player Haji Mnoga echoed those concerns, noting that similar fouls were whistled elsewhere on the pitch.
Tanzanian media outlets, including The Citizen, also denounced what they described as marginal calls favoring Morocco, a debate that is once again fueling criticism of refereeing standards at AFCON 2025
