In a night of drama that saw Senegal crowned champions of Africa, the triumph was overshadowed by a concerning medical situation as Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr and two teammates were rushed to hospital after falling ill during the final in Rabat.
The health scare cast a shadow over Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in a match already marred by chaotic scenes and controversy.
According to reports from Senegalese media outlet Taggat, Sarr, 23, began to feel unwell during the halftime interval of the final. The midfielder had been sent to warm up by coach Pape Thiaw just before the break but was ultimately unable to feature in the match.
His illness followed similar, more visible incidents involving teammates Krepin Diatta and Ousseynou Niang, who were taken ill during the pre-match warm-up. Video footage showed Diatta hunched over on the pitch, while Niang had to be physically carried back to the dressing room by fellow players.
Medical staff provided an update following the match, confirming that the three players were receiving care. “The three players are doing well, according to the doctor, at Mohammed VI Hospital in Rabat,” Taggat reported. “Ousseynou Niang will return to the hotel. Krepin Diatta and Pape Matar Sarr are still being kept at the hospital for further observations”.
The cause of the sudden illnesses has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear if Sarr will be able to participate in the championship celebrations planned in Dakar.
The medical emergency added another layer of distress to a high-pressure final that later descended into near-farcical controversy. In stoppage time, a penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR check prompted furious protests from Senegal, leading coach Pape Thiaw to order his players to leave the pitch.
After a delay of around 16 minutes, during which talisman Sadio Mane played a key role in convincing the squad to return, Moroccan star Brahim Diaz saw his weakly chipped “Panenka” penalty easily saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. A galvanized Senegal scored the winning goal in extra time through Pape Gueye’s superb strike.
The events of the night, combining the players’ health scare with the on-field protest, left the football world in reflection.
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye dedicated the victory to his afflicted teammates, stating, “This victory is for them; we had that in mind”. Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed disciplinary proceedings against Senegal for the walk-off.