The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has voiced strong concerns over the treatment and security of its national team after their arrival in Rabat ahead of Sunday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against hosts Morocco.
Senegal, who are chasing a second continental title after lifting the trophy in 2022, reported that players and officials were left exposed following chaotic scenes on Friday. Members of the squad were surrounded by crowds of fans attempting to take selfies upon arrival by train, forcing players to push their way through to reach the team bus.
In an official statement, the FSF described the situation as unacceptable, citing what it called a lack of adequate security that placed players and staff at risk. The federation also raised complaints over their accommodation arrangements, the limited number of tickets allocated to Senegalese supporters, and being offered a training pitch at Morocco’s base rather than a neutral facility.
“What happened was not normal,” Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw said. “Given the number of people there, anything could have happened. My players could have been in danger. This is not something that should occur between two brother nations.”
Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe acknowledged the concerns, saying the continental body has a responsibility to ensure Senegal receive all necessary support and protection ahead of the final.
Attention has also turned to the future of Senegal captain Sadio Mane, who suggested after the semi-final victory over Egypt that he would not feature at another Africa Cup of Nations. Mane scored the decisive goal in that match and remains Senegal’s all-time top scorer with 52 goals in 123 appearances.
Thiaw believes the Al-Nassr forward spoke in the heat of the moment and hopes the decision will be reconsidered.
“The country does not agree, and I do not agree as coach,” Thiaw said. “This decision is no longer his alone. There is a whole nation behind him that wants him to continue. We want to keep him for as long as possible.”
Sunday’s final kicks off at 19:00 GMT. With Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda set to host the 2027 Afcon, Mane — who turns 35 next April — could yet feature again on Africa’s biggest football stage.
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