The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of their national team in Morocco, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations final. Senegal is poised to compete for their second title, having secured the trophy in 2022. They will face the host nation, Morocco, in an eagerly anticipated match on Sunday.
Security Concerns Raised by Senegal
Upon arrival in Rabat on Friday, the team encountered overwhelming crowds of fans eager for selfies. Players struggled to navigate through the throngs to reach their team bus after disembarking from their train. The FSF highlighted this incident as indicative of a larger issue regarding the team’s security.
Issues with Accommodations and Facilities
In addition to security worries, the FSF was dissatisfied with several aspects of their arrangements in Morocco. These concerns included:
- The quality of the hotel accommodations.
- The limited number of tickets allocated for Senegalese supporters.
- The decision to provide a training pitch located at Morocco’s team base, which was not deemed suitable.
In an official statement, the FSF expressed apprehension over the “lack of adequate security” for players and staff, deeming them “at risk.” Senegal’s manager, Pape Thiaw, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “What happened yesterday was not normal.”
He further articulated his concerns, stating that the sheer number of fans present could have posed a genuine danger to his team. Thiaw underscored the brotherly relations between the two nations, indicating that such incidents should not occur.
As the Africa Cup of Nations final approaches, it remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed and whether the Senegalese team will feel safe and supported in their pursuit of victory.
