The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is preparing to lodge a formal protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following their team's controversial exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Desert Foxes were defeated 2-0 by Nigeria's Super Eagles in a tense quarterfinal clash at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday, January 10.
Controversial Officiating Sparks Algerian Fury
According to the Algerian federation, the core of their grievance lies with the performance of Senegalese referee Issa Sy. In a statement released on social media platform X, FAF outlined several key complaints. They allege that Sy denied Algeria a clear penalty opportunity that could have altered the momentum of the match.
Furthermore, the petition claims the official made a series of questionable decisions that consistently favored the Nigerian side throughout the encounter. The federation also cited unprofessional conduct, stating that Referee Sy failed to shake hands with Algerian players at the conclusion of the game, while Nigerian players were accused of provoking their opponents after the final whistle.
Allegations Extend Beyond the Pitch
The Algerian protest includes serious allegations that extend beyond the 90 minutes of play. FAF has claimed that Algerian journalists and media personnel were attacked in the stadium tunnel following the match. This incident, coupled with the on-field controversies, has prompted the federation to demand severe action from CAF.
As a result of their formal petition, Algeria will request that CAF ban referee Issa Sy from the remainder of the tournament with immediate effect. The continental football governing body is now expected to review the official match reports, video evidence, and the detailed submission from the Algerian FA before making a ruling.
Super Eagles' Dominance Seals Victory
On the pitch, the Nigerian team secured their semi-final berth through a commanding performance. Goals from star striker Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams in the second half were enough to see off the North African challenge. The victory was particularly impressive as it ended Algeria's perfect run in the tournament, having won all four of their previous matches.
The defeat also halted goalkeeper Luca Zidane's clean-sheet record at the 35th edition of AFCON. The loss triggered an emotional reaction from the Algerian players, who were seen in a viral video confronting referee Issa Sy after the match, an act that could lead to separate disciplinary sanctions from CAF.
Nigerian fans and neutral observers have reacted strongly to Algeria's planned protest. Many on social media have dismissed the penalty claims, arguing that the ball struck a Nigerian defender's thigh before making contact with his arm. Others highlighted that Algeria failed to register a single shot on target during the match, suggesting their exit was due to performance, not officiating.
The focus now shifts to CAF's disciplinary committee, which must weigh the allegations against the match officials' report and VAR recordings. The outcome could have significant implications for the remainder of AFCON 2025, hosted in Morocco.
