RABAT, Morocco – January 17, 2026 – Ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, Senegal has voiced strong concerns regarding the treatment of its national football team in Morocco. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) publicly criticised what it described as a lack of fair play, inadequate security, and logistical shortcomings ahead of the continental showdown against the host nation.
The Senegal squad, which triumphed in the 2021 AFCON tournament, is set to face Morocco, who are aiming to end a 50-year wait for a second Africa Cup title, in a final that promises to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent history.
Senegal’s Complaints: Security, Accommodation, and Training Issues
In a statement released early Saturday, the FSF detailed a series of grievances, highlighting multiple areas of concern:
- Security Arrangements: Senegalese players traveled by train from Tangier to Rabat on Friday. Upon arrival, the federation reported a “clear lack of adequate security measures”, exposing players and staff to overcrowding and risks deemed “incompatible with the standards of a competition of this magnitude.”
- Accommodation Problems: FSF officials said they were forced to file a formal complaint to secure suitable hotel arrangements. While the federation did not provide specifics about the initial accommodations offered, it suggested they fell short of the requirements for a team participating in a major continental final.
- Training Facilities: Senegal has refused to train at Morocco’s Mohammed VI Complex, which has hosted the Moroccan team throughout the tournament. As of Saturday, the FSF reported no confirmed training location for the Senegal team, raising concerns over competitive fairness.
- Ticket Allocation: The federation described the allocation of 2,850 tickets for Senegalese supporters as “insufficient given the demand.” With Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium boasting a capacity of 69,500, the FSF argued that the restriction penalizes Senegalese fans and undermines the spirit of fair competition.
Calls for Action from CAF and Local Organizers
Senegal’s football authorities urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the local organizing committee to “immediately take corrective measures” to ensure fair play, security, and equal treatment. The FSF emphasized that its complaints are made “in the interest of transparency and to defend the interests of the Senegalese national team.”
The federation expressed concern that unresolved logistical issues could affect the team’s performance, particularly given the home advantage enjoyed by Morocco, which has been buoyed by vociferous crowd support throughout the tournament.
AFCON 2025 Final: Context and Stakes
The final will see two of Africa’s strongest footballing nations go head-to-head:
- Morocco: Host nation, seeking their second AFCON title after a 50-year gap.
- Senegal: Reigning champions from 2021, aiming to secure a second continental trophy.
The clash is set to take place at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which has a capacity of 69,500. Analysts predict an electric atmosphere, with the Moroccan crowd providing strong home support.
FSF’s public airing of grievances highlights tensions surrounding the tournament and raises questions about organizational fairness and transparency in AFCON 2025.
Senegalese Team’s Perspective
The Senegalese squad and officials are reportedly focused on preparation despite logistical hurdles. However, concerns about training schedules, accommodation standards, and fan support may add pressure ahead of the final.
The FSF’s statement noted:
“This deficiency exposed the players and technical staff to overcrowding and risks incompatible with the standards of a competition of this magnitude and the prestige of a continental final.”
The federation has emphasized that these issues should be addressed before the kickoff, to maintain the integrity of the tournament and ensure a level playing field.
What This Means for Fans and AFCON 2025
The controversy surrounding Senegal’s complaints is likely to generate significant media attention leading into Sunday’s final. Football fans and analysts are watching closely, with both teams aiming to secure their place in African football history.
For supporters, ticket allocation remains a pressing issue, with many Senegalese fans unable to attend due to CAF restrictions, which could influence the stadium atmosphere.
Key Takeaways
- Senegal has criticized Morocco and CAF over security, training, accommodation, and ticket allocation issues.
- The Senegalese team refused to train at Morocco’s home complex, citing fairness concerns.
- Ticket allocation for Senegal fans is limited to 2,850, despite a stadium capacity of 69,500.
- Senegal aims to defend its 2021 AFCON title, while Morocco seeks its second continental trophy after 50 years.
- The FSF has called for immediate corrective measures to ensure fair play and player safety.
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