Heavyweights Collide Amid Officiating Debate at AFCON 2025

The Africa Cup of Nations has reached its business end, with the semi-final line-up confirming what has been a tournament dominated by the continent’s established heavyweights rather than surprise packages. Hosts Morocco remain on course for a home triumph, but stiff tests from Nigeria, Egypt and Senegal now stand between them and continental glory.

Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria and Senegal will contest two blockbuster semi-finals as the race to lift the trophy in Rabat next Sunday intensifies. While the Atlas Lions are widely tipped as favourites due to home advantage, their march through the tournament has not been without controversy.

Morocco’s dominance — and the officiating debate

Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked side and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, face Nigeria in Wednesday’s semi-final in Rabat carrying an impressive unbeaten run at AFCON since their defeat to South Africa in the previous edition. Walid Regragui’s men have conceded just one goal in five matches and looked composed under pressure in their 2–0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon.

However, as the hosts continue to progress, sections of fans and pundits across the continent have raised concerns over what they perceive as biased officiating in favour of Morocco, with several key decisions in recent matches sparking heated debate on social media and in football circles. While CAF has not issued any formal response, the scrutiny adds another layer of pressure ahead of a highly anticipated semi-final showdown.

On the pitch, Morocco have been formidable. Captain and reigning African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi has returned to full fitness, while Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz has been arguably the tournament’s standout performer, scoring five goals in five matches.

“He can become the best player in the world if he wants to,” Regragui said after the win over Cameroon.

Despite their current dominance, Morocco’s AFCON history remains surprisingly modest. This is their first semi-final appearance since 2004, when they lost the final to Tunisia, and their only continental title dates back to 1976 — a campaign in which they defeated Nigeria on their way to lifting the trophy.

Nigeria out to prove a point

Nigeria arrived in Morocco with a point to prove after their World Cup qualification hopes were ended by the Democratic Republic of Congo in a penalty shoot-out play-off in Rabat last November. Their absence from the World Cup — despite being one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses and its most populous nation — raised eyebrows across the football world.

Yet the Super Eagles have been among the most convincing sides at this AFCON. Runners-up in 2024, Nigeria are the tournament’s top scorers with 14 goals, inspired by former African Players of the Year Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Head coach Eric Chelle, appointed a year ago, insists little has changed from the side that failed to reach the World Cup.

“This is the same team,” Chelle said. “The difference is that the players now understand exactly what I want from them.”

With shocks largely absent from this AFCON, Nigeria’s presence means four of Africa’s top five ranked teams have reached the semi-finals, with Algeria the notable exception after their quarter-final defeat to the Super Eagles.

Egypt and Senegal renew rivalry

The second semi-final, to be played in Tangiers, sees Egypt and Senegal renew their rivalry in a repeat of the 2022 AFCON final, which Senegal won on penalties.

Senegal, ranked second in Africa and 19th globally, were widely viewed as Morocco’s biggest challengers before the tournament and now stand one match away from a third final appearance in four editions. Their experienced squad includes Sadio Mané, who will face former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah.

Their presence, alongside Morocco and Nigeria, means the last five winners of the African Player of the Year award will all feature in the semi-finals — a testament to the quality on display.

Salah, who has four goals at the tournament, is still chasing his first AFCON title after finishing runner-up twice. The Egypt captain arrived in Morocco amid club-level uncertainty but has rediscovered his best form with the national team as he eyes a record-extending eighth AFCON crown for the Pharaohs.

“I have won almost every honour, but this is the one I am waiting for,” Salah said after Egypt’s quarter-final win over Ivory Coast.
“We are outsiders now. We are facing teams with many players based in Europe, which makes things easier for them. We have good players, but most play in Egypt.”

High stakes and high tension

As AFCON enters its decisive phase, the semi-finals promise elite football, historic rivalries and intense scrutiny — both on the pitch and in the referee’s room. With Morocco chasing a long-awaited second continental title on home soil, Nigeria seeking redemption, and Egypt and Senegal renewing a fierce rivalry, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to Africa’s premier tournament.