AFCON 2025: We can’t train - Senegal FA raises alarm over security ahead of final

Senegal’s Football Federation has lodged formal complaints with CAF over security lapses ahead of the AFCON 2025 final against host nation Morocco.

Just a day before the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as multiple organizational and logistical shortcomings affecting the Lions of Teranga.

In a strongly worded press release issued on January 16, the FSF said it was compelled to speak out “in the interest of transparency and the defense of the Senegal national team’s interests,” as Senegal prepares to face hosts Morocco on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Security lapses at Rabat Train Station

Among the most pressing issues highlighted was the reception of the Senegalese delegation upon arrival in Rabat.

The FSF deplored what it described as a “clear lack of adequate security” at the train station, stating that players and technical staff were exposed to overcrowding and unnecessary risks.

According to the federation, such conditions fall “far below the standards expected for a continental final” and do not reflect the stature of an event as significant as the AFCON final.

The Senegal FA also revealed problems surrounding the team’s accommodation arrangements.

According to the statement, authorities were able to resolve the situation only after the Senegalese team submitted an official protest letter, resulting in the allocation of a five-star hotel.

The FSF noted that this upgrade was essential to “ensure the required recovery conditions” for players ahead of the decisive match.

Another major point of contention centers on training facilities.

The FSF confirmed it has formally notified the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of its “categorical refusal” to train at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, citing concerns over sporting fairness.

The facility currently serves as the base camp for Morocco, Senegal’s final opponents.

The federation stressed that using the same complex as the host nation “raises an issue of sporting equity” and added that, as of the statement’s release, it had yet to receive confirmation of an alternative training venue.

Ticket allocation for the final was also described as “concerning” by the FSF.

The federation disclosed that it received just two VIP tickets, with no possibility of purchasing additional VIP or VVIP tickets, conditions it said were notably different from those during the semi-finals.

While Senegal was allocated the maximum number of standard tickets permitted, 300 in Category 1, 850 in Category 2, and 1,700 in Category 3, the FSF insisted these figures remain “insufficient given the demand” and criticized what it called “imposed restrictions that penalise the Senegalese public.”

The Senegalese Football Federation urged CAF and the Local Organising Committee to act swiftly.

The FSF called for “immediate corrective measures” to safeguard principles of fair play, equal treatment, and security, stressing that these values are essential to the integrity and success of African football’s flagship tournament.

Sunday’s final will see Senegal, AFCON champions in 2021 (played in 2022) take on host nation Morocco, who are chasing a second continental title and their first since 1976.