Refereeing in Crisis: A Deep Dive into Afcon 2025
The Refereeing Dilemma: A Call for Improvement
The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire showcased the Confederation of African Football's (Caf) video assistant referee (VAR) system at its finest, setting a benchmark for the Premier League and European leagues. However, the tournament also revealed a dire need for improvement in refereeing standards. The abrupt dismissal of Noumandiez Doué as head of Caf's refereeing department just before the African Nations Championship last year signaled a downward spiral in officiating.
From clear penalties not being awarded to VAR decisions being overlooked, and referees being asked to handle knockout games despite poor performances, Caf faces a monumental task to restore refereeing standards at the next Afcon. The organization must ensure its refereeing department is composed of competent, independent-minded individuals with the courage and ethics to withstand pressure, even from powerful Caf politicians.
Caf alone must take responsibility for ensuring fair and unbiased management of Afcon games, and it must be held accountable for any poor refereeing decisions. The Afcon final between Morocco and Senegal, marred by the controversial decision of referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala, exemplified the challenges. His ruling out of a legitimate Senegal goal and subsequent awarding of a penalty to Morocco led to a walkout by Senegal's coach and players, only to be resolved by the intervention of captain Sadio Mané.
Alex Iwobi: A Midfield Maestro
Nigeria's Alex Iwobi, a 29-year-old midfielder, showcased his excellence in the role he thrives in at Fulham. Iwobi, the nephew of former Super Eagles great Jay-Jay Okocha, claimed his second Afcon bronze medal, adding to the silver from 2024. His exceptional vision and pinpoint passing to teammates like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were unparalleled. Coach Éric Chelle praised Iwobi's football IQ, stating, 'Alex Iwobi is a player who truly understands the game.' Iwobi's YouTube channel, documenting his Afcon journey, has been a hit with Super Eagles fans.
Tom Saintfiet: Tactical Mastery
Despite Mali's early exit in the quarter-finals, their Belgian coach, Tom Saintfiet, earned acclaim for his tactical prowess. His strong opposition to the proposed change in Afcon frequency from biennial to quadrennial showcased his commitment to preserving the continent's cherished football traditions, which have provided him with valuable career opportunities.
The Pitch and Stadium Experience: A World-Class Standard
With nearly three decades of Afcon coverage, the author emphasizes the importance of pristine pitches and stadiums. The 1998 tournament in Burkina Faso set a world-class benchmark, contrasting sharply with the potato-farm pitches in Port-Gentil during the 2017 Afcon in Gabon, where Ghana's Baba Rahman suffered a career-threatening injury. Former Nigeria captain Segun Odegbami, a 1980 Afcon winner, advocates for better pitches, stating, 'Good pitches make football matches.' Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, co-hosts of the 2027 Afcon, face a challenging task in replicating this standard.
Afcon in Winter: A Missed Opportunity
The miserable weather in Morocco, with cold and rain, contrasted sharply with the traditionally hospitable conditions of the Afcon. The health of players and officials suffered, and the joie de vivre associated with the tournament was diminished. The 2019 Afcon in Egypt, played in the summer, offered a stark contrast, with wet, windy, and chilly conditions affecting the opening and final games.
Football's Passion in Morocco
Morocco's passion for football transcends the sport itself. The pressure on the Atlas Lions' manager, Walid Regragui, and his players after 50 years without an Afcon victory was immense. Regragui acknowledged the disappointment, stating, 'It's not easy to win the Afcon.' Despite the loss, he emphasized the importance of continued faith in the team and the need for sustained development, drawing inspiration from Senegal's consistent finals appearances.
Regragui's outstanding work with Morocco over the past three and a half years warrants his inclusion in the national team for the summer World Cup, a decision that would be self-sabotage for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
