CAF Confederation Cup: Wydad Casablanca forward Walid Nassi questions referee decisions after OC Safi draw

Wydad Casablanca forward Walid Nassi has expressed confusion over a refereeing decision that ruled out a late goal during his side’s clash with Olympique Safi in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Wydad were held to a 1-1 draw by Olympique Safi on Sunday evening in the first leg of the quarter-final encounter. The match produced a dramatic moment in stoppage time when the Casablanca side believed they had secured a late winner.

Nassi found the back of the net deep into added time of the second half, sparking celebrations among the home side. However, Egyptian referee Mohamed Maarouf later overturned the goal after consulting the Video Assistant Referee, citing a foul that occurred earlier in the build-up.

The decision left Wydad players and supporters frustrated, with Nassi admitting he struggled to understand the call.

Speaking to the tournament’s official website after the match, he said, “We played an even match against Olympique Safi, who played a good game.”

The forward also questioned the reasoning behind the intervention that led to the goal being cancelled.

He added, “I still don’t understand the reason for going back to a distant mistake in the second Wydad goal.”

Despite the disappointment, Nassi insisted that Wydad remain focused on their ambitions in the competition as they prepare for the decisive second leg.

He continued, “Our goal is to reach the final of the tournament, and therefore we will turn the page on the first leg, to focus on the second leg.”