Ivorian influencer Fred Le Baoulé has sparked major debate with a fiery post about the AFCON final in Morocco, harshly criticising Senegal while applauding Morocco’s organisation.
He argued that Senegal’s title was “incomplete” because of what he saw as a lack of sportsmanship and respect for institutions.
Le Baoulé began by saluting Morocco’s outstanding work as host, saying the kingdom set a global benchmark with modern infrastructure, top stadiums and warm treatment of visiting fans and teams. He stressed that Morocco had successfully continued the path started by Ivory Coast in the previous edition, pushing African football away from negative clichés.
His real anger, however, was directed at Senegal’s behaviour before and during the final. He accused the Teranga Lions of running an intense media campaign to “poison” the atmosphere, by throwing unfounded accusations at the organising committee and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation in order to pre-emptively justify any defeat.
On the pitch, Le Baoulé admitted Senegal were superior football-wise but insisted the staff’s over-the-top protests damaged the image of African football, recalling similar complaints against Ivory Coast for alleged “cheating” at the last AFCON.
He also defended the referee, noting that Morocco’s disallowed goal came after a whistle for a foul, making VAR intervention irrelevant, and that the penalty decision was correct.
In closing, he separated Sadio Mane from his criticism, describing him as a true champion and ideal rival who honours African football with his humility and ethics, the lone bright spot in what he called a victory “without elegance”.
