By

Eniola Olatunji 

The quarterfinal ACON match between Nigeria and Algeria at Marrakesh in Morocco was marred with public violence and deliberate disturbance of public peace after the game was blown off by Ref Issa Sy of Senegal with Nigeria winning 2-0.

Immediately the match was blown off, Algerian players and officials surrounded the Ref, his Linesmen and reserved Ref threatening them over their loss to Nigeria. Stadium security officials quickly surrounded the game officials leading them to safety. The video of the drama is all over various social media but our cover photo is a shot from the incident.

Other violent sessions broke out at the stands from fans who engaged in fisticuffs stressing the stadium officials but we report that some Algerian fans disappointed with the loss started leaving the stadium five minutes to the end of the game that saw 10 added minutes from Ref Issa. 

CAF has not been to make comments or announce any disciplinary measure to ensure security of players, officials or fans at the various venues. CAF will rely heavily on the Match Commissioner Report on the Algerian versus Nigerian match to take vital decisions.

It will be recalled that Egyptian Coach Hossan Hassan was accused by the Moroccan FA of making provocative signs at the Moroccan fans stands in their match against Benin Republic but CAF has not yet reacted.

The Moroccan Police have confirmed  violence and arrests at the stadium.

It will be recalled that Libya disrupted diplomatically and hitch in protocols, a world cup encounter against Nigeria senior men’s football team and FIFA issued stern disciplinary measures that football Lawyers argued was inadequate expecting expulsion from organized football for a period but Libya was only limited to loss of match and points.

Instead, a letter of protest purportedly written by the Algerian FA without name or signature went into circulation about noon of Sunday claiming that a clean penalty was denied; several decisions from Senegalese Ref Issa were questionable; Ref Issa was biased in favour of Nigeria and Ref Issa allegedly failed to shake hands with Algerian players after the full time.

The letter also said Nigerian players provoked them after the whistle; that Algerian Journalists and Media Professionals were allegedly attacked in the tunnel. Algeria was asking CAF to ban Ref Issa and remove him from the tournament with immediate effect.

Addressing the Media after the match, Algerian Coach Vladimir Petkovic said; “Do I have to tell the truth or should I be political? Nigeria deserved to win this match. They were better than us. It was difficult to get into this match…We were hit left and right…”

It has always been like that from time immemorial that North African countries have the phobia for loss of matches and immense intolerance to superior play that they disrupt the peace or process.

CAF upgraded play discipline at AFCON 2019 against some rough play that is to attract straight red cards. Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi was given a straight red at AFCON 2021 for stamping ditto Mali’s Woyo Coulibaly against same Tunisia but now at Morocco 25 rounds of 16 games but Morocco stamped their R16 opponent twice and it was over looked.

CAF has not been able to over the years been able to resist North African teams manipulating, intimidating and harassing Refs to favour them through award of penalty kicks; award of free kicks dangerous positional plays: forcing Refs to award cards to opponents or protesting those issued them as they usually troop to pursue Refs about on the field as seen against Nigeria in Marrakesh. This often is the same situation at club football, age group matches et al.

Veteran players and officials are requesting that CAF like FIFA introduce goal line technology against the backdrop of a disallowed goal by Calvin Bassey of Nigeria against same Algeria in the quarterfinal on Saturday 
AFCON 2025 resumes as follows:
First Semifinal is Senegal vs Egypt at Tangier on Wednesday 14th January at 6pm.
Second semifinal is Morocco vs Algeria/Nigeria at Abdellah, Morocco at 9pm. 

The 3rd place match is scheduled for Saturday 17th January at 5pm in Casablanca and the grand finale will be on Sunday 18th January at 8pm in Rabat.