Ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against hosts Morocco on Sunday, January 18, Senegal national team coach Pape Thiaw addressed the media on Saturday, raising serious concerns about the treatment of his squad and the organisation surrounding the tournament’s climax.
Thiaw acknowledged the football-related focus of his remarks but was also visibly troubled by off-field issues that Senegal felt had jeopardised the safety and preparation of his players.
“What happened yesterday is not normal. A team like Senegal cannot come down and find itself in the middle of the crowd like that, Thiaw told reporters, referring to the team’s arrival by train in Rabat. “The players were in danger. Anything could have happened, especially with ill-intentioned people.”
This comment echoed complaints issued earlier by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), which formally criticised inadequate security upon the team’s arrival at the Rabat train station and a range of organisational issues, including accommodation, training venue disputes and limited ticket allocation for Senegalese supporters.
Thiaw reiterated his belief that player safety and organisational standards must match the prestige of a continental final, adding that crowded conditions without proper segregation or security were unacceptable at this level of competition.
While Thiaw stopped short of blaming CAF or Moroccan authorities directly, his message underscored that **football stakes should never push teams into risky situations, and that “Africa’s image is at stake” when organisational lapses occur.
The coach also stressed the importance of fair competition and a secure environment as Senegal prepares to face Morocco for the AFCON title — a clash between two of the continent’s most storied national sides.
Senegal reached the final by defeating Egypt 1–0 in the semi-final, securing a place in the title match. Morocco, meanwhile, advanced by eliminating Nigeria on penalties in the other semi-final.
As both teams finalise preparations for Sunday’s kick-off, Thiaw’s remarks reflect a blend of competitive focus and concern about off-field conditions that Senegal believes should be addressed to honour the spirit of African football.