Tensions rise ahead of final as Senegal lodge formal complaints with CAF

The build-up to Sunday’s highly anticipated AFCON final between Senegal and hosts Morocco has taken a tense turn after the Teranga Lions officially submitted a series of concerns to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

With the showdown set for Rabat, Senegalese officials have raised issues ranging from training arrangements and ticket allocation to security, casting a shadow over what should be a celebration of African football’s showpiece event.

At the center of the dispute is Senegal’s refusal to train at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, the venue initially designated for their preparations. The Senegalese camp argues that the complex is based opposite Morocco’s facility, making their training sessions vulnerable to monitoring and recording. In a move aimed at protecting tactical secrecy ahead of the final, Senegal have formally requested that CAF provide them with an alternative training venue, insisting that the current arrangement does not guarantee competitive fairness.

Ticketing has also emerged as a major point of contention. Senegal revealed they were allocated only two VVIP tickets for the final and claim their access to purchase additional tickets was restricted. Despite these limitations, they managed to secure 300 Category 1 tickets, 850 Category 2 tickets, and 1,700 Category 3 tickets. However, the federation maintains that this number is far from sufficient, especially considering the large Senegalese community currently living in Morocco and expected to support the team in Rabat.

Security concerns have further heightened the sense of unease within the Senegal camp. Upon arrival in the Moroccan capital, officials say the security arrangements were inadequate, leaving players exposed to fans and creating an atmosphere they describe as “not conducive” to proper focus and preparation for such a high-stakes match. CAF is now expected to respond to Senegal’s requests as the countdown to Sunday’s final continues, with tensions rising off the pitch even as anticipation builds for a classic contest on it.