Senegal secured the AFCON title with a dramatic 1–0 extra-time win over hosts Morocco in Rabat, but Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was unable to feature after falling ill during the final.
The 23-year-old was named on the bench but reportedly became unwell at half-time. Shortly before the interval, Senegal’s coaches had asked Sarr to warm up after Lamine Camara picked up a knock. Camara eventually continued, but Sarr’s condition worsened, with teammates Krepin Diatta and Ousseynou Niang also forced to withdraw during the warm-up.
Footage showed Diatta bent over on the pitch while Niang had to be helped back to the dressing room. After the match, Camara confirmed all three players were taken to hospital, saying he hoped they were recovering well.
Senegalese outlet Taggat later reported that the trio were stable at Mohammed VI Hospital. Niang was cleared to return to the team hotel, while Diatta and Sarr remained in hospital for further observation. Niang’s club, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, subsequently confirmed he had rejoined the Senegal squad and was doing well.
Sources close to the Senegal Football Federation later told Football.London that Sarr has since been discharged from hospital.
However, Senegal full-back Ismail Jakobs suggested the illnesses may not have been a coincidence, hinting that unusual events occurred before and during the match that could later come to light.
Plans are now underway for Senegal to parade the AFCON trophy at home on Tuesday, though it is still unclear whether Sarr will be fit enough to travel to Dakar. Veteran midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye dedicated the victory to the affected players, saying the team had them firmly in mind throughout the final.
On the pitch, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive extra-time winner after a chaotic finale. Senegal had a late goal disallowed through Ismaila Sarr, while Morocco were controversially awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Senegal briefly left the field in protest before returning on captain Sadio Mané’s instructions. Brahim Díaz’s attempted panenka from the spot was then calmly saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, sealing Senegal’s historic triumph.
