Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouba Thiaw, has lodged an official protest against AFCON organizers following a major security lapse that he says “endangered the lives” of his players ahead of today’s final against Morocco.
The “Teranga Lions” arrived in the capital by train from Tangier on Friday but were reportedly met with no security escort.
The team was immediately swarmed by an uncontrolled crowd, forcing players to push through the mob to reach their transport.
“What happened was unacceptable,” Thiaw told reporters. “Africa’s image is at stake. Our competitions are prestigious, and we must not squander this. Players were in danger.”
Beyond the security breach, Senegal complained of poor hotel quality and inadequate training facilities provided for the final.
The press conference nearly descended into a brawl as Moroccan and Senegalese journalists clashed over the allegations.
CAF has yet to comment on the formal protest. The final is scheduled to kick off today, January 18.
