Senegal is fuming over security and logistical hiccups on the eve of Sunday’s AFCON final against hosts Morocco. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially complained to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), raising several urgent concerns.
The federation expressed outrage at the inadequate security players faced upon their arrival in Rabat. The squad’s train journey from Tangier reportedly felt more like a nightmare than a prelude to glory, leaving the team feeling far from safe or comfortable.
The issues did not stop there; the team’s initial accommodation also met with disapproval. Following Senegal’s formal protest, CAF moved them to five-star accommodation — an arrangement the FSF argues should have been standard from the start.
In addition to security and lodging, the complaint highlights grievances regarding training arrangements. The federation has outright refused to train at the Mohammed VI complex in Salé, the same venue used by the Moroccan national team. Senegalese officials believe that utilizing this facility could lead to potential surveillance by Moroccan authorities, an accusation that calls into question the principles of fair play and impartiality.
The FSF has also expressed outrage over the limited ticket allocation for Senegalese fans, a situation they deem unfair given the magnitude of the match. Just 2,850 tickets have been made available for a stadium that seats nearly 70,000 — a stark disparity that underlines the need for a more equitable distribution. Furthermore, Senegal has received only two VVIP passes, further marginalising their delegation ahead of what is expected to be an intense clash.
With kick-off looming at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the FSF is urging both CAF and the local organising committee to take immediate action. They are calling for a reassessment of arrangements to ensure that all teams and their supporters can participate in the final with a sense of fairness and dignity.
As the AFCON final approaches, Senegal’s grievances highlight significant flaws in tournament organisation and the importance of maintaining equity in international football. With tensions rising both on and off the pitch, the focus now turns to whether CAF will respond promptly to restore balance and integrity to this pinnacle of African football.
