Moroccan media have sparked controversy by implicating Algerian coach Noureddine Bouachera in Morocco’s 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, despite Bouachera having no official connection to the Senegalese team since 2023.
Following the loss on January 18 in Rabat, a wave of criticism emerged in Moroccan media, suggesting that Bouachera influenced Senegal coach Pape Thiaw during the match.
The claims accused him of provoking Thiaw into making on-field decisions that contributed to Morocco’s defeat.
Bouachera is currently the assistant coach of Saudi Arabia’s U-23 team and has had no formal role with Senegal since 2023.
The allegations form part of a wider media campaign, led by outlets close to the Moroccan establishment, to redirect public frustration after the national team’s defeat.
“Under pressure following his team’s loss, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Faouzi Lekjaa, activated media outlets to divert attention,” analysts said, noting that Bouachera was singled out as the “instigator” of a protest against a late penalty, an action the Senegalese player later expressed regret over.
Observers have described the coverage as a coordinated attempt to shape the narrative, with Moroccan-Algerian tensions featuring prominently.
Experts have emphasised that the accusations are unfounded, given Bouachera’s lack of involvement with the Senegalese squad during the tournament.
The episode highlights the challenges facing football federations in managing public expectations after high-profile defeats, as well as the role of media in amplifying nationalistic narratives.
While the Morocco-Senegal final was decided on the pitch, much of the post-match discourse has shifted to off-field controversies, leaving coaches and officials at the centre of public scrutiny.
Despite the criticism, Bouachera has not issued a public statement regarding the claims.
Senegal’s victory in the final remains the defining outcome of the tournament, while Moroccan media debates continue to question responsibility for the defeat.
