AFCON Controversy: Did Morocco Benefit from a Late Call? Shobier Speaks Out
5 January 2026
Key moment: the late penalty debate
In the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16, a tense Morocco vs Tanzania match produced a moment that lit up social media and studio debates. The late clash in the Tanzania box involved a challenge near the goal and sparked calls for a penalty from Moroccan players and fans alike.
The incident drew the camera's attention as players and officials contested the contact. Some argued the goalkeeper clipped the attacker; others insisted contact was incidental. The referee, however, chose to play on, denying Morocco a perceived spot-kick and keeping the drama alive.
The moment became the focal point of post-match discourse, as Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals while Tanzania left the field feeling hard done by.
Shobier's take and the emotional response
Egyptian media figure Ahmed Shobier weighed in on air, noting the electric atmosphere surrounding the AFCON clash. He described a game that delivered drama from start to finish, with Morocco grinding out a win after a demanding campaign that had left some pundits unsure of their form.
Shobier added that, after careful review, the most plausible interpretation was that there was contact, but not a clear foul by the defender. He suggested that a penalty was unlikely, even if the incident might have produced a different outcome under another referee.
Nevertheless, he praised Morocco for reaching the quarterfinals and gave Tanzania credit for the fight shown as they prepared for a stern test against Cameroon.
What’s next and why the debate endures
Morocco advanced to the last eight, where they faced formidable Cameroon. For Tanzania, the performance earned respect across the continent as the wait for a decisive call lingered in the minds of fans.
As AFCON 2025 continues, officiating debates are likely to persist. Some fans will remember the closing whistle as a victory, others as a near-miss—a chapter worth rewatching in slow motion.
Punchlines: Referees are sometimes Wi‑Fi you can’t rely on; when the signal dips, you celebrate the goal anyway. And if you want a definitive penalty, bring a magnifying glass—the evidence may still be inconclusive, but at least you’ll have a good view of the drama.
