Senegal cry foul, accuse Morocco of disrupting AFCON final preparations

Senegal have raised the alarm over what they describe as deliberate actions by host nation Morocco to undermine their preparations ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) accused the hosts of creating logistical and security challenges that threaten fair competition, insisting that the issues go beyond routine organisational lapses.

The federation said the Senegalese delegation faced serious security concerns on arrival in Rabat by train after their semi-final triumph over Egypt in Tangier, claiming there were inadequate safety measures at the station.

“The FSF wishes to draw the attention of CAF and the international sporting community to several irregularities observed during preparations for the AFCON final,” the statement read. “The lack of appropriate security exposed our players and technical staff to risks unbefitting a match of this importance.”

Concerns were also raised about accommodation, with the federation alleging that the team was initially lodged in a hotel that did not meet the standards required for optimal recovery before a major final. According to the FSF, it was only after submitting a formal complaint that the team was relocated to a five-star facility.

On training arrangements, the FSF disclosed that it had formally rejected the Mohammed VI Football Complex as a training venue, noting that the facility serves as Morocco’s base and could confer an unfair advantage on the hosts. The federation added that, as of Saturday, it had yet to receive confirmation of an alternative training ground.

Ticketing issues further fuelled the controversy. The FSF said Senegalese supporters were allocated fewer than 3,000 tickets for the final at the 53,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, a figure it described as grossly inadequate. It also complained that only two VVIP tickets were made available for Senegalese officials, despite strong demand.

“These restrictions unfairly penalise Senegalese fans and officials and undermine the spirit of inclusiveness expected at a continental final,” the statement said.

Senegal are seeking to add a second AFCON title to their record following their historic triumph in 2021, while Morocco are bidding to lift the trophy for the first time in five decades.