Morocco-Cameroon: the appointment of Algerian referees raises concerns

The pre-match is also played in the offices. The FRMF expressed its surprise at the non-compliance with the usual deadlines for the announcement of the refereeing team, a procedure that is nevertheless applied for the other matches of the tournament. This complaint comes as the CAF refereeing commission is already the subject of criticism from several federations for its management of the schedules and the level of performance.

An Algerian duo in the VAR and on the touchline

If the delay has annoyed the federal authority, it is the final composition of the refereeing team that worries the supporters. CAF has entrusted the whistle to the Egyptian Amin Omar. However, the presence of two Algerian referees in key roles fuels suspicion.

Adel El-Benna will serve as second assistant, while Mustapha Ghorbal will be in charge of video refereeing (VAR). This configuration worries the Moroccan public, especially since the Atlas Lions could face Algeria in the semi-finals in case of qualification, raising concerns about the impartiality of the decisions.

The complete composition of the refereeing team:

• Referee: Amin Mohamed Omar (Egypt)
• First assistant: Mahmoud Abou El-Regal (Egypt)
• Second assistant: Adel Abane (Algeria)
• Fourth official: Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo (Congo)
• VAR referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
• VAR assistant (AVAR): Haythem Guirat (Tunisia)

It should be noted that the central referee, Amin Mohamed Omar, has already officiated three matches during this AFCON, including the round of 16 match between Algeria and DR Congo.