Senegal midfielder Krépin Diatta has opened up about the unexpected illness that forced him to miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, leaving him unable to witness his team’s triumph firsthand.
The Lion of Teranga, who had been a key presence throughout the tournament, described a sudden and severe medical episode just hours before kick-off.
Despite routine pre-match preparations, Diatta was struck by intense head pain and other unexplained symptoms, prompting medical staff to replace him and rush him to hospital.
“As you saw, I couldn’t 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, that it would pass,” he said.
The 25-year-old Senegalese international recounted that the problem intensified while leaving for the stadium. “I was in pain all over, my head, lots of things.
It was very strange. That’s when they decided to replace me. I hardly followed any of the final, apart from a few short videos, notably Pape Gueye’s goal and the missed penalty,” Diatta added.
Medical tests conducted during his hospital stay reportedly revealed no clear cause, heightening concerns among team officials and fans.
Diatta also described fainting multiple times, saying: “Then I fainted again, the fourth time, and I was finally able to leave the hospital around 10 a.m.”
His absence, though unexplained at the time, sparked speculation across media and fan circles, making Senegal’s ultimate victory—a dramatic success marked by tense moments and a missed penalty—even more poignant for the sidelined player.
Despite the ordeal, Diatta praised his teammates’ resilience and acknowledged the personal disappointment of missing the historic triumph.
remains in close contact with the national team as they plan for upcoming fixtures, with hopes of returning fully fit.
