Morocco coach angrily rejects AFCON ref bias for hosts before semifinals

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by News AgenciesJanuary 10, 2026 at 04:33 PM

AI Summary

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Following Morocco's 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the 2025 AFCON quarterfinals, Morocco's coach Walid Regragui rejected accusations that his team is receiving preferential treatment from referees as the host nation. The controversy arose after Cameroon felt they were denied two clear penalties during the match. These incidents involved Moroccan defender Adam Masina, with questionable calls made by referee Dahane Beida. Regragui defended his team, citing the home crowd as their only advantage and claiming he also saw potential penalties that could have been awarded to Morocco. He also referenced a past penalty decision against Morocco in the previous tournament, despite incorrectly stating he was suspended. The coach maintained that his team's performance on the field is the primary factor in their success.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Etta Eyong 40% South Africa 40% Ismael Saibari 40% Danny Namaso 40% Bryan Mbuemo 50% Bilal El Khannouss 50% Dahane Beida ×260% Adam Masina 60% Cameroon ×580% Walid Regragui ×390% CAF Africa Cup of Nations ×290% Morocco ×695%

Keywords

afcon 100% referee bias 90% morocco 80% penalties 70% cameroon 60% walid regragui 50% host nation 50% football 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.20

Source Transparency

Source

Al Jazeera

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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afcon referee bias morocco penalties cameroon walid regragui host nation football

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