Senegal Triumphs Amidst Health Concerns at AFCON Final

Reports indicate that Pape Matar Sarr expressed discomfort during the half-time interval of the recent AFCON final. Minutes earlier, he had been warming up on the touchline as Senegal’s coaching staff contemplated substitutions following an injury sustained by Monaco’s Lamine Camara.

Ultimately, Sarr was deemed fit to continue and remained on the field, never returning to the bench. Senegal faced further setbacks before the match commenced, losing both Krepin Diatta and Ousseynou Niang, which disrupted head coach Pape Thiaw’s pre-game strategy.

Video evidence surfaced showing Diatta hunched over the advertising boards, while Niang required assistance from teammates to be escorted back to the dressing room after experiencing health complications.

These challenges presented a significant distraction for Senegal as they aimed for continental glory. However, Camara provided updates on their condition, stating, “They’re in the hospital, but I hope they’re doing well.”

According to Senegalese news outlet Taggat, a medical professional reported that all three players were stable at the Mohammed VI Hospital in Rabat. Ousseynou Niang was cleared to return to the hotel, while Krepin Diatta and Pape Matar Sarr remained under observation.

Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, who have Niang on their roster, shared that he was well enough to join in the celebrations post-victory. They announced online, “Ousseynou Niang is an AFCON winner! After extra time, the Lions of Teranga triumphed over Morocco 1-0 in the final. Niang had felt unwell before the game and was hospitalized alongside two teammates, but he has since rejoined the Senegalese squad.”

Senegal defender Ismail Jakobs reflected on the tumultuous events leading up to the match, stating in a press conference, “A lot happened before the match. I think more details will emerge later. It wasn’t just this situation; there were numerous occurrences involving Krepin, Ousseynou, and Pape Matar Sarr at half-time.”

Idrissa Gana Gueye, of Everton, dedicated the victory to those unable to relish the occasion, affirming, “This victory is for them; we had them in our thoughts.”

Senegal clinched a 1-0 victory, with Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in the 94th minute after extra time. The match itself was contentious, with Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr having a late goal disallowed due to a perceived foul on Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, followed by Morocco receiving a penalty in stoppage time.

A controversial call led to protests from Senegal’s players, who initially exited the pitch, only to be coaxed back by team captain Sadio Mane, displaying exceptional leadership. Mane later celebrated with the trophy after Brahim Diaz’s penalty attempt was easily saved by ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Senegal is reportedly organizing a trophy parade upon their return to Dakar on Tuesday, though it remains uncertain whether Sarr will participate in the celebrations before returning to north London.