AFCON 2025 final: Host favours and sabotage claims cloud Morocco v Senegal showdown

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Sunday night's Africa Cup of Nations final (kick-off 9pm) between Morocco and Senegal is not just a showdown of teams but also a test of governance in African football, as the principles of fair play struggle to prevail amidst accusations of favouritism and insufficient oversight.

AFCON has been marred by controversy, particularly as host nation Morocco faces scrutiny over their alleged control over the tournament. While CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised Morocco’s commitment to African football, the reality on the ground tells a different story, shadowed by accusations of unfair play ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated final against Senegal in Rabat.

On Saturday, Motsepe spotlighted Morocco’s pivotal role in promoting football across the continent, suggesting that other African nations hesitate to bid for major tournaments due to financial constraints. However, this commendation was quickly overshadowed by multiple complaints from the Senegalese camp regarding how the Moroccan hosts managed key aspects leading up to the final.

Tension became palpable following Morocco’s quarter-final victory over Cameroon. Cameroon FA president Samuel Eto’o was visibly furious over last-minute referee changes requested by the hosts. Citing a late decision, Morocco complained about the original appointment of Egyptian official Amin Omar, leading CAF to replace him with Mauritanian Dahane Beida without initially alerting the Cameroonian federation.

Eto’o’s ire was directed not just at the Moroccan Football Association, led by Fouzi Lekjaa, but also at Motsepe. This has highlighted a growing sentiment that Morocco may be exploiting its host status to exert undue influence over officiating.

Similar anxieties were raised by Nigeria during the semi-finals; the Super Eagles were left frustrated by refereeing decisions and even reported that ball boys repeatedly stole goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s towel during their penalty shootout loss to the hosts.

Throughout the tournament, South Africa coach Hugo Broos also decried the inadequate logistics affecting his players. Bafana Bafana expressed frustration about lengthy daily commutes for training, noting that such issues could have been avoided with better planning by CAF.

On the eve of the final, the situation escalated when the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) lodged formal grievances against Morocco. The FSF reported a "clear lack of adequate security" upon their arrival in Rabat, where players were jostled by crowds at the railway station.

Senegal labelled the circumstances as “abnormal” and initially protested poor hotel conditions and training facilities.

While Senegal ultimately secured a five-star hotel after a formal written protest, they categorically refused to train at the Mohammed VI Complex — Morocco’s own base camp — citing concerns over sporting fairness. With the hosts enjoying a massive home-ground advantage bolstered by apparent preferential treatment, an undeniable cloud hangs over the integrity of tonight’s final.

It begs the question: Can the essence of fair play be maintained under such circumstances?

As the Atlas Lions and the Lions of Teranga prepare to step onto the pitch in a match that will heavily impact the future of African football, one cannot help but wonder if these logistical advantages will tilt the scales, disadvantaging a Senegal side fighting tooth and nail for glory.