AFCON 2025: Senegal Raises Concerns Over Unfair Treatment Ahead of Final

The Senegalese national team has raised concerns over security, ticketing, accommodation, and training arrangements ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

Senegal booked their place in the final after defeating Egypt in Wednesday’s semi-final and are set to feature in the showpiece match of the tournament.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Secretariat of the Teranga Lions to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the public, the team said it was compelled to speak out “in the interest of transparency and the protection of the Senegal national team,” following what it described as multiple shortcomings observed during preparations for the final.

The federation highlighted serious lapses in security during the team’s arrival in Morocco.

It criticised the “clear absence of adequate safety measures” at the Rabat railway station, warning that the situation exposed players and officials to risks “incompatible with the standards and prestige of a continental final.”

Ticketing was also identified as a major concern. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) disclosed that it was allocated only two VVIP tickets for the final, describing the number as grossly inadequate compared to the semi-final stage.

Although the federation confirmed it had purchased the maximum number of tickets authorised by CAF—300 Category 1, 850 Category 2, and 1,700 Category 3—it said the allocation remained insufficient to meet demand.

On training arrangements, Senegal rejected the proposed training venue on grounds of fairness.

The FSF said it had formally notified CAF of its refusal to train at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, noting that the facility serves as the opposing team’s base camp, thereby raising concerns over sporting integrity.

The federation added that, at the time of issuing the statement, it had yet to receive official notification of an alternative training venue for the Senegalese team.

Accommodation challenges were also raised, with the FSF revealing that it had to submit a formal written protest before the issue was resolved. According to the statement, a five-star hotel was eventually provided, ensuring appropriate recovery conditions for the players.

The Senegalese Football Federation called on CAF and the local organising committee to take immediate corrective action to uphold the principles of fair play, equal treatment, and safety, which it described as vital to the success of Africa’s premier football tournament.

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