Security concerns, spy alert: Senegal raise alarm over Morocco’s unfair treatment ahead of AFCON 2025 final

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has issued a public complaint regarding the treatment the national team has received from Morocco ahead of Sunday's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

​This edition of AFCON in Morocco has been touted as the most organized and best in terms of infrastructure.

The hosts have provided top-quality pitches and, consequently, fans have witnessed high-level football throughout the tournament.

​However, complaints have surfaced regarding CAF's possible bias toward Morocco, with some citing questionable officiating in most of their matches.

Also, Morocco's tactics for unsettling opponents were brought to light during their semifinal clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday.

According to accounts from some fans, the Moroccan authorities made it difficult for Nigerian fans to enter the stadium and attempted to prevent them from sitting together.

During the match, a Moroccan official was even seen stealing Stanley Nwabali's towel twice in a bid to destabilize the goalkeeper. The Atlas Lions eventually won the game via a penalty shootout.

​Morocco are now set to face Senegal in the final this Sunday, and it appears they have resumed these controversial tactics.

On Friday, a video emerged showing the Senegalese players arriving at the airport; the place was so overcrowded that players were forced to push and shove their way through the crowd, with no visible security measures in place to protect them.

Watch Video

🇸🇳 This is how the Senegal national team arrived in Rabat for Sunday’s #AFCON2025 final against hosts Morocco

Absolutely embarrassing scenes for African football in 2026

pic.twitter.com/g31RPIVRH4

— Algeria FC (@Algeria_FC) January 17, 2026

​Senegal Protest Morocco's Treatment

​Following the incident, the Senegalese FA released a statement on social media condemning the treatment they have received.

​Beyond the airport incident, the FSF complained about the lack of a proper training facility. They alleged that the hosts provided a pitch located directly opposite the Atlas Lions' lodge, making it easy for their training sessions to be spied on.

🚨 AFCON Final Build-Up: Senegal Raise Concerns in Rabat. 🇸🇳⚠️

Senegal have officially communicated several concerns to CAF ahead of Sunday’s AFCON final against Morocco in Rabat.

Training Venue Issue:

The Teranga Lions have refused to train at the Mohammed VI Football… pic.twitter.com/joVN794VnT

— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) January 16, 2026

​Senegal also complained that their fans have been restricted to just 2,000 tickets for the final, despite the venue — Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah — having a capacity of 69,000.

​At the time of this report, neither the Moroccan FA nor CAF has responded to Senegal's allegations.

Such behavior is considered an anomaly, as AFCON hosts typically do not go to such lengths to disadvantage their opponents. However, it appears Morocco's desperation to win the title on home soil has led to these unusual tactics.