Senegal Raises Concerns Over Treatment Before Africa Cup of Nations Final
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of their national team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations final. The event will take place on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco, where Senegal aims to capture the title for the second consecutive time, having won it in 2022.
Security Issues for Senegal’s National Team
Upon their arrival in Rabat, players faced overwhelming crowds of fans eager for selfies. This chaotic situation necessitated players pushing through to their team bus after arriving by train on Friday. The FSF has highlighted several safety and logistical issues that need urgent attention.
Concerns Raised by the Federation
- Security Risks: The FSF expressed alarm over a “lack of adequate security,” leaving players and staff vulnerable to potential threats.
- Hotel and Supporter Tickets: The federation voiced dissatisfaction with their hotel accommodations and the limited number of tickets allocated to Senegalese supporters.
- Training Facilities: Senegal was offered a training pitch located at the Morocco team’s training base, which raised additional concerns.
Senegal’s manager, Pape Thiaw, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He stated, “What happened yesterday was not normal,” highlighting that the crowd size posed risks to his players’ safety. Thiaw added, “That type of thing should not happen between two brother countries.”
As Senegal prepares for this important match against the host nation, the discourse surrounding their treatment remains a significant concern for the federation and supporters alike.
