By Micah Jonah
January 18, 2026
Tensions rose on the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations final as Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw criticized what he described as poor security arrangements when his team arrived in Rabat ahead of Sunday’s showdown with host nation Morocco.
The players arrived in the Moroccan capital by train after a 90 minute journey from Tangier, where they based almost the whole duration of the tournament, and were reportedly mobbed by crowds at the station without any visible security escort.
Speaking at a pre match press conference, Thiaw said the incident placed his players at risk and was unacceptable for a competition of such prestige, adding that Africa’s image was at stake, that high standards must be maintained through to the final.
Earlier in the day, the Senegal Football Federation issued a statement condemning not only the lack of security on arrival but also the quality of accommodation and training facilities provided ahead of the final.
Thiaw noted that the tournament organization had generally been good and thanked Morocco for hosting, however stressed that a well organized competition must also be properly concluded, especially at such a critical stage.
His comments sparked tension in the press room after a local journalist attempted to defend the organizers, prompting strong reactions from Senegalese reporters.
The Confederation of African Football did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the complaints raised by the Senegal camp.
