The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 was never short on drama — and perhaps it will be remembered just as much for its refereeing controversies as for the football on the pitch. The quarter-finals, in particular, became a flashpoint for questions about officiating standards, VAR usage, referee appointments and the very credibility of continental football governance. From Nigeria vs Algeria to Cameroon vs Morocco, and controversies in Mali vs Senegal, the referees were thrust into the spotlight — often for all the wrong reasons. The debates that followed didn’t just revolve around isolated decisions; they struck at the heart of how fairness, transparency and even respect are perceived in African football. Quarter-Final Showdowns and the Sparks of Dispute Nigeria vs Algeria (2–0): A Penalty That Never Came Match result: Nigeria defeated Algeria 2–0 to reach the AFCON semi-finals. Yet, the focus after this match wasn’t only on the football. It was on the refereeing narrative that domina...
BRAZIL WOMEN:- At San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium on Wednesday, Brazil easily defeated Mexico 3-0 to move on to the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup finals. Following a VAR review that resulted in Nicki Hernández of Mexico receiving a red card, Adriana and Antonia scored goals in the first half, leaving the Concacaf team with just ten players for the most of the game. Yasmim cleverly flicked away a Gabi Portilho cross three minutes into the second half, but Mexico's defense dug deep and prevented Brazil from scoring for the remainder of the match. It was one-way traffic for the most of the half. Mexico shocked the United States in the group stage, their first victory over the Americans since 2010, and goes out of the first women's Gold Cup in the semifinal round with 13 goals scored. USA WOMEN:- In the aftermath of a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Canada in the Concacaf W Gold Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday at a soggy Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, interim US coach Twi...