The President of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), Abdoulaye Fall, has launched a strong critique of the organisation of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, following a controversial final that saw Senegal crowned African champions for the second time in their history.
The tournament concluded on Sunday, January 18, with Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal three minutes into extra time, shortly after Morocco had missed a penalty opportunity late in regulation time.
However, the final was overshadowed by heated scenes and allegations of unsporting conduct. Tensions peaked when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala of Congo awarded Morocco a late penalty, prompting strong protests from the Senegalese camp and threats of a walkout by players and officials.
More than a week after the final, Fall has spoken openly about what he described as challenging conditions faced by his team during the latter stages of the tournament.
“There were some very good teams at AFCON, but perhaps it was because of the conditions they faced that they didn’t go far,” Fall said in an interview with Wiwsport.com. “We, on the other hand, were able to anticipate and remain vigilant. Beyond sporting achievements, we also have outstanding leaders, and that is another strength of Senegal.”
Fall suggested that Morocco entered the final confident of victory and alleged an imbalance of influence within African football governance.
“Morocco never thought they could lose this Africa Cup of Nations, especially after reaching the final,” he said. “No country has ever opposed Morocco as much as Senegal did. They control the CAF vice-presidency, they have the resources, and other countries are afraid to take a stand.”
While acknowledging his personal friendship with Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fall stressed that professional principles took precedence.
“Fouzi Lekjaa is my friend; we are very close, but there are things we do not negotiate. That is perhaps why we ended up winning the AFCON,” he added.
Accommodation and Training Disputes
Fall also detailed logistical issues that arose when Senegal were required to move their base from Tangier to Rabat ahead of the final. According to him, uncertainty over accommodation and training facilities raised serious concerns within the Senegalese delegation.
“We were only given the name of a hotel 24 hours before our departure to Rabat,” Fall explained. “I had already sent our General Secretary, Abdoulaye Sow, on a fact-finding mission to assess the conditions. After seeing the hotel, he clearly told me the national team would not stay there.”
Fall claimed the hotel was unsuitable due to its central location, noise levels, and its usual use by Senegal’s youth teams rather than the senior national side.
In addition, Senegal rejected a proposal to train at Morocco’s Mohammed VI Football Complex.
“It’s a very modern facility, the best of its kind, even compared to what we have in Senegal,” Fall acknowledged. “But once you are inside, nothing is secret. Everything you work on becomes known to your opponents. For a final, this was unacceptable, and we categorically refused.”
Backing the Coaching Staff
Fall also defended head coach Pape Thiaw’s reaction to the controversial penalty decision during the final, including the instruction for players to consider leaving the pitch.
“We are in complete agreement with him, and our leaders support that decision,” Fall said. “There are details I won’t go into, but it was not an emotional reaction, it was a considered stance.”
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