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Senegal raises security concerns ahead of Afcon final

BBC Sport •
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The Senegalese Football Federation has issued a formal complaint about security and logistics in Rabat, where the national team arrives for Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final against host Morocco. Players were swarmed by fans seeking selfies upon arrival, forcing them to push through crowds to reach their bus. The FSF cited inadequate security, poor hotel conditions, and limited tickets for supporters.

Manager Pape Thiaw called the chaotic arrival "not normal" and expressed relief his players weren't injured. The federation also protested being offered a training pitch at Morocco's base camp. This incident casts a shadow over the high-stakes final, where Senegal seeks its second continental title, having won in 2022.

Beyond the final, Senegal captain Sadio Mane faces uncertainty about his tournament future. After scoring the semi-final winner, Mane hinted at retirement from Afcon. Thiaw publicly urged the star to reconsider, noting the 2027 edition in East Africa when Mane would be 34.

The security lapse highlights broader challenges in hosting major tournaments, where crowd management and visitor safety often struggle to match event prestige. For Senegal, the focus now shifts from logistical disputes to securing victory on the pitch against a formidable Moroccan side.