Senegal’s march into the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations has been clouded by tragedy following the death of a devoted supporter who was travelling to back the Teranga Lions in Morocco.
What should have been a routine journey to celebrate continental football instead ended in heartbreak, casting a sombre mood over Senegal’s otherwise convincing progress at the tournament.
The supporter, Aïda Faye Samb, lost her life in a road accident on the Rabat–Kenitra highway on Saturday while en route to Tangier for Senegal’s round-of-16 clash against Sudan.
The Senegalese Football Federation confirmed the news on Sunday, prompting an outpouring of grief across the Senegalese football community and beyond.
In an official statement, the federation said: “The Senegalese Football Federation is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Aïda Faye Samb, who died as a result of a traffic accident on the Rabat–Kénitra route on Saturday, January 3.”
It added: “The deceased was on her way to Tangier to support the Senegalese national team, which was playing a round of 16 match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Sudan.”
Despite the devastating news, Senegal went on to defeat Sudan 3–1, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
The victory, however, was met with muted celebration, as players, officials and supporters reflected on the loss of a fan whose final act was one of loyalty and passion for her national team.
The federation extended its condolences in the same statement, saying: “In this painful circumstance, the Senegalese Football Federation extends its sincere condolences to the grieving family, her loved ones, and the entire Senegalese football community.”
It further noted: “The FSF bows with reverence before the memory of the departed and prays that the Almighty welcomes her into His infinite mercy and grants strength and courage to her loved ones. May she rest in peace.”
As Senegal now prepare for a quarter-final showdown with Mali on Friday, January 9, in Tangier, the team does so carrying both ambition and grief.
The match, scheduled for 4:00 PM, will be played in the shadow of a loss that transcends football.
