Senegal international Krepin Diatta has disclosed he was replaced in the starting lineup minutes before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final clash against Morocco due to sickness.
The enterprising right-back missed the crucial final held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium last Sunday, as the Taranga Lions triumphed over the Atlas Lions to secure the title in the North Africa country.
In his absence, Senegal managed to narrowly beat Morocco to secure their second AFCON title, while derailing Morocco’s quest of ending their 50-year drought.
According to Diatta, he was hospitalized in the eve of the titanic final and could only watch except of the high-rated clash.
“As you saw, I wasn’t able to play in the final. The match had been well prepared, as usual. On the morning of the match, I wasn’t feeling very well, but I told myself it was normal and that it would pass,” Krepin Diatta told Senenews.
Far from subsiding, the discomfort became a cause for concern when the Senegalese team set off for the stadium.
‘The problem really started when we were leaving for the stadium. I had pain everywhere, in my head, lots of things. It was very strange. That’s when we decided to replace me.’
‘I didn’t see much of the final, apart from a few short videos, notably Pape Gueye’s goal and the missed penalty.’
‘I was hospitalized and underwent several tests, but they didn’t find anything. I then had another episode, my fourth, and was finally able to leave the hospital around 10 o’clock in the morning.’
