Moroccan Football Federation President Faouzi Lekjaa has issued a firm response to the Senegalese Football Federation’s formal complaint regarding the officiating in their recent match.
The Senegalese body submitted a complaint to CAF and FIFA, alleging that referee Samir Guezzaz’s performance in the AFCON 2026 Final, was “catastrophic” and biased. They specifically pointed to a disallowed goal for Senegal and the denial of a potential penalty.
In a statement revealed by Moroccan outlet *Bladna*, Lekjaa dismissed the accusations. “The Senegalese federation has the right to file a complaint,” he stated. “But we are not worried at all. We have full confidence in CAF’s institutions.”
He emphasized that the match officials were appointed through CAF’s standard procedures. “The referees were selected by CAF, not by Morocco,” Lekjaa clarified, underscoring the neutrality of the appointment process.
The controversy stems from the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played on Tuesday. Senegal took the lead early in the second half through an Ismaila Sarr goal. Morocco equalized late with a penalty converted by Achraf Hakimi in the 85th minute, forcing the shootout where they prevailed.
Lekjaa’s cool public reaction stands in direct contrast to the heated claims from Senegal, setting the stage for the governing bodies’ review of the formal protest.
