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Video Assistant Referee (VAR) played a massive role in Monday’s semifinal games at the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations and the refereeing decisions were heavily scrutinized on social media by the supporters of defeated teams Nigeria and Zambia. A questionable penalty call in South Africa’s favor at the end of Banyana Banyana’s 1-0 victory over Zambia was blasted by Copper Queens supporters and even Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema chimed in to say the penalty was questionable. South Africa’s Jermaine Seoposenwe was judged to have been obstructed by Zambia defender Martha Tembo as she surged into the Copper Queens’ penalty area towards the end of the second half, resulting in a winning penalty kick from Linda Motlhalo.
The response was similar from Nigeria following their defeat to hosts Morocco. “Since I started playing football, this is the worst game in my life that I have ever played” stated Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with regards to the refereeing decisions in an interview following the Super Falcons’ penalty kick shootout defeat to Morocco on Monday, resulting in Nigeria’s elimination from the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations at the semifinal stage.
The 21-year-old Paris FC shot stopper could hardly speak immediately following the match due to the emotional disappointment of losing the match but gathered her thoughts and reflected that Morocco’s victory is “not what I call winning” in an interview later on. Nigeria was reduced to nine players after VAR determined that two fouls warranted red cards and many Super Falcons supporters pointed out a similar foul Morocco committed that was not looked at.
