During the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco, the reception given to the Senegalese national team for the final attracted widespread media criticism. Upon arrival, the team was surrounded by a large number of supporters who had come to greet the Lions of Teranga, creating a situation that the Senegalese Football Federation described as a security issue.
An official statement was then released, while the Senegalese head coach publicly denounced what he described as a lack of organization. These criticisms quickly fueled debates about Morocco’s ability to host major international competitions.
However, several points deserve to be recalled. The large presence of supporters was not spontaneous. It followed prior information shared about the team’s arrival. Despite the situation, no major incident was recorded, and the tournament continued under conditions widely praised by international observers.
Today, a similar scene that occurred in the United States offers an interesting perspective. Faced with an equally hectic arrival, the Senegalese delegation adopted a completely different tone. No critical statement was issued. On the contrary, the American authorities were publicly thanked for their welcome.
This difference in tone naturally revives the debate over the validity of the criticism directed at Morocco. If comparable circumstances lead to opposite reactions, then the question of the objectivity of such judgments deserves to be raised.
As the Kingdom continues its preparations for major international events, notably the 2030 World Cup, this sequence serves as a reminder that logistical challenges exist everywhere. It also highlights that evaluation standards should remain the same, regardless of the host country.
