Cameroon coach Clarence Seedorf has blamed poor officiating for his side’s 2-0 defeat to Morocco in Casablanca on Friday

The former Dutch midfielder has guided Cameroon to one victory, two draws and a defeat since taking over as Cameroon coach in August.

The Dutch legend, however, feels that the opening goal his team conceded against Morocco was the defining moment that marked his first defeat since he took over the reins as the Indomitable Lions Manager, three months ago.

Morocco opened a two-point lead at the top of Group B in the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier following the home victory.

Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Hakim Ziyech struck a brace in the second half, starting by converting from the spot after Christian Bassogog had been adjudged to have pushed substitute Sofiane Boufal inside the box.

Ziyech went on to complete his double in the 65th minute, leaving Cameroon with a tall order of staging a comeback, but Seedorf feels it was the penalty that changed the complexion of the game.

“I didn’t argue with the referee because it was useless to do so,” Seedorf said at the post-match news conference.

“I have nothing much to say about that (penalty). I think everyone witnessed what happened and write what you saw.

“For us, the match is over. Morocco played a good game, Cameroon also played a good game but then episodes can change games like what happened today (Friday).”

Seedorf’s pedigree to lead the reigning champions was questioned as early as his first game in charge when they needed a Stephane Bahoken late goal to salvage a 1-1 draw away at less-fancied Comoros in September.

The defeat on Friday saw Cameroon overtaken at the top of Group B, leaving Morocco two points clear at the summit.