Morocco’s Whistle in Casablanca: Egypt vs Nigeria Set for AFCON 2025 Third-Place Showdown

The CAF Names Moroccan Referee for Egypt-Nigeria Third-Place Clash

CAF has identified the officiating crew for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 third-place match between Egypt and Nigeria, scheduled to be played at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

Moroccan press reports indicate the crew is led by Jalal Jaid, with Zakaria Brinci and Mustapha Akarkad assisting on the lines.

Algerian Lahlo Benbrahim will oversee the video assistant referee (VAR), with Tunisian Hatem Qirat and Moroccan Hamza Fark assisting as VAR assistants.

Egypt were defeated 1-0 by Senegal in the semi-finals, while Nigeria fell to the hosts Morocco on penalties after a goalless draw in normal and extra time.

The appointment of a Moroccan official comes despite tensions recently between Egypt’s coaching staff and some Moroccan fans and media.

Humor note: The whistle may be loud, but hopefully the jokes won’t count as goals.

Punchline 1: The referee’s whistle was so sharp that even the scoreboard looked up from its post to listen.

Punchline 2: If football were a snipers’ league, this whistle would be the headshot—clean, precise, and likely to leave the crowd speechless.