(DDM) – Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has forcefully dismissed claims that his team is benefitting from favourable refereeing decisions at the ongoing 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that the Atlas Lions’ success is driven by performance, not privilege.
DDM gathered that Regragui reacted angrily after Morocco’s 2–0 victory over Cameroon in Friday’s quarterfinal clash, a match that has since generated widespread debate over controversial officiating calls that appeared to go in favour of the tournament hosts.
Speaking after the match, Regragui said Morocco has become a target because of its status as a strong contender, arguing that accusations of bias are a common tactic used against dominant teams.
According to him, Morocco’s only advantage at the tournament is the massive home support they enjoy from tens of thousands of fans filling the stadiums.
He stressed that beyond the crowd support, everything that determines the outcome of matches happens strictly on the pitch.
Regragui described Morocco as “the team to beat,” noting that success naturally attracts suspicion, excuses, and narratives aimed at discrediting genuine sporting achievement.
However, the quarterfinal encounter against Cameroon has intensified scrutiny, particularly due to several key decisions made by experienced referee Dahane Beida.
Cameroon players and supporters felt hard done by after two penalty appeals were waved away despite apparent contact inside the Moroccan penalty area.
In one incident, Moroccan defender Adam Masina appeared to clip Bryan Mbeumo’s right boot after missing the ball during a dangerous Cameroonian attack.
The moment came at a critical stage when Cameroon was pushing hard to equalize, raising tensions on and off the pitch.
Later in the match, Masina was again involved in controversy after appearing to elbow Etta Eyong in the head inside the box during a late Cameroonian surge.
Once again, the referee decided against awarding a penalty, fueling claims that the home side was receiving leniency.
Adding to the debate, referee Beida also opted not to issue a second yellow card to Morocco midfielder Bilal El Khannouss for halting a Cameroonian counterattack.
The decision allowed Morocco to retain their numerical advantage until Ismael Saibari sealed the victory late in the game.
Beida, who officiated the final at the previous AFCON tournament, has a reputation for handling high-profile matches, but his calls on the night have divided opinion.
Regragui, however, rejected the notion that Morocco was protected by referees, insisting that questionable decisions occur in every match.
He argued that there were also moments where Morocco could have been awarded penalties but did not receive them.
The Moroccan coach emphasized that he avoids discussing referees as a principle, believing that focus should remain on football rather than officiating controversies.
He warned that attempts to undermine Morocco’s achievements could distract from the team’s discipline, preparation, and tactical execution.
Analysts say the controversy reflects a familiar pattern in major tournaments, where host nations often face allegations of institutional advantage.
Football observers note that while refereeing errors are part of the game, perception becomes magnified when decisions favour the host team.
Despite the criticism, Morocco continues to build momentum in the tournament, backed by strong performances and vocal home support.
Regragui maintained that his players are focused on results, not noise, and are determined to let their football speak louder than accusations.
As AFCON progresses toward the semifinals, pressure on referees is expected to increase, with every major decision likely to be closely scrutinized.
For Morocco, the challenge will be to sustain performances while navigating both on-field opposition and off-field controversy.
Whether the debate fades or intensifies may depend on how convincingly the Atlas Lions continue their march toward the AFCON title.