Tension overshadowed preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday after Senegal’s coaching staff and football authorities criticised tournament organisers over security lapses ahead of the decisive clash against host nation Morocco.
Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw expressed concern that his players were left exposed to risk upon arriving in Rabat on Friday, after travelling by train from Tangier, where the team had been based for most of the tournament.
Arrival incident sparks backlash
According to Thiaw, the Senegalese delegation completed the 90-minute train journey without a security escort and was subsequently mobbed by crowds at Rabat’s train station.
Speaking at the official pre-match press conference on Saturday, the coach described the situation as unacceptable, warning that it could have endangered the players.
“What happened yesterday was not normal. A team like Senegal arriving for a final should not be left alone facing such a crowd. The players were in danger,” Thiaw said.
His comments sparked a tense exchange at the press conference after a local journalist attempted to defend the Moroccan organisers, prompting loud objections from Senegalese media representatives in attendance.
Federation issues formal complaint
Earlier on Saturday, the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) released a statement condemning not only the lack of security on arrival in Rabat, but also raising concerns about the quality of accommodation and training facilities provided to the team ahead of the final.
The federation stressed that such shortcomings were inappropriate given the scale and importance of the tournament’s showpiece match.
Warning on Africa’s image
While acknowledging Morocco’s overall efforts as host, Thiaw cautioned that lapses at critical moments could damage the reputation of African football on the global stage.
“Africa’s image is at stake. This competition has become very prestigious and widely followed. We must not spoil it at the final stage,” he said.
“The organisation has been good so far, and we thank Morocco, but a well-organised tournament must also be properly concluded.”
CAF yet to respond
As of Saturday evening, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had not issued an official response to the concerns raised by Senegal’s camp.
The controversy adds an extra layer of tension ahead of Sunday’s final, where Senegal will face Morocco in a match expected to draw millions of viewers across the continent and beyond.
Source: Africa Publicity
