Aboutrika Blasts Refereeing Cloud Over Morocco-Cameroon AFCON Showdown
9 January 2026
Aboutrika weighs in on officiating in Cameroon vs Morocco AFCON clash
The Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal between Cameroon and Morocco drew strong reactions as Mohamed Aboutrika, the Egyptian football legend, weighed in on the officiating.
In a BeIN Sports studio commentary, he praised Morocco's performance and criticized the referees for failing to meet the game's intensity and for decisions that affected both sides.
He described the first half as the best from the Atlas Lions in this tournament—powerful, fast, fierce, and balanced—and noted how Morocco exploited its strengths while masking Cameroon’s.
Regarding Ibrahim Diaz of Real Madrid, Aboutrika said this is Diaz’s tournament, noting his fifth AFCON goal and his calm, correct reading of the ball.
He added that Morocco delivered a heroic display and showed fighting spirit, while warning that officiating must reach the level of such a decisive match.
Aboutrika did not hide his frustration with the referee and VAR, saying they harmed both teams with several crucial calls that were missed or mishandled.
He claimed Morocco was denied two clear penalties, including a clear chance for Sabiri, and Cameroon suffered a similar injustice with unawarded penalties in key moments.
Punchline 1: If refereeing were a dessert, this match would be served with extra wisps of confusion and a side of VAR gumbo.
Punchline 2: And remember, in football as in life, the whistle blows but opinions outlive the replay.
