Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr has been taken to hospital in the wake of Senegal's controversial Africa Cup of Nations final triumph over Morocco. The Spurs star did not get onto the pitch in his country's triumph over the tournament hosts.
It's understood he fell ill in Rabat and was taken to hospital not long after the final had ended. He reportedly began feeling unwell at half-time. He was sent out to warm-up when Lamine Camara picked up an injury just before the first half ended. However, Camara did not come off and Sarr was struck down by illness 45 minutes after Krepin Diatta and Ousseynou Niang were forced to withdraw from the game during the warm up.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
In video footage which emerged after the match, Diatta was seen hunched over in a ball on the pitch during the warm-up, while Niang had to be physically carried and helped to his team's dressing room by his team-mates. After the match, Camara confirmed the aforementioned trio were taken to hospital, when he said: "They're in the hospital, but I hope they're doing well."
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
A further update was also issued by Senegalese outlet Taggat, who wrote: "The three players are doing well, according to the doctor, at Mohammed VI Hospital in Rabat. Ousseynou Niang will return to the hotel. Krepin Diatta and Pape Matar Sarr are still being kept at the hospital for further observations."
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, the club Niang plays for, has stated he is back with his Senegal team-mates, writing: "Niang felt unwell before the game and was taken to hospital along with two teammates. It has since been confirmed he is doing well and has rejoined the Senegalese squad."
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
£49 £35 View Deal
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
After the match, Senegal full back Ismail Jakobs launched a phenomenal accusation claiming the illnesses in the Lions of Teranga's camp may not have been a coincidence. In the mixed zone, he told reporters: "A lot happened before the match. I think a lot will come out afterwards. It wasn’t just this situation. Plenty happened before the match too. But you’ll find out. A lot happened to Krepin, Ousseynou, and Pape Matar Sarr at halftime."
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana-Gueye also paid tribute to the players who were struck down by illness before the final, saying: "This victory is for them; we had that in mind."
Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Get More of Our News on Google
Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.
The final will be remembered for the chaos which erupted after the 90th minute. Senegal had a 92nd minute goal contentiously ruled out for a foul, before Morocco were awarded an even more controversial penalty in the 98th minute.
Senegal boss Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch and when they returned, 17 minutes after the spot-kick was given, Brahim Diaz attempted to chip his penalty down the middle, but it fell into the arms of ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Senegal won in extra-time thanks to an extraordinary goal from Pape Gueye.