On March 30, 2022, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging racial abuse and hostile treatment during their 2022 World Cup qualifying match against Senegal. The second-leg play-off at Stade Abdoulaye Wade near Dakar ended in a 3-1 penalty shoot-out loss for Egypt, following a 1-1 aggregate score. The defeat dashed Egypt’s hopes of consecutive World Cup appearances, while Senegal secured their second straight qualification. The EFA’s grievance, detailed in a statement, cited offensive banners, thrown projectiles, and an attack on the team bus as evidence of misconduct by Senegalese fans.
Disturbing Incidents During the Match
The EFA reported that Egyptian players, particularly star striker Mohamed Salah, faced racial abuse through “offensive signs in the stands” aimed at the team. During warm-ups, fans allegedly threw bottles and stones, while the team bus was attacked en route to the stadium, resulting in broken windows and minor injuries. Most notably, green lasers were shone into the faces of Egyptian players during the penalty shoot-out, with Salah missing his shot after being targeted. “The crowd terrorized the Egyptian players,” the EFA stated, submitting photographic and video evidence to FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Penalty Shoot-Out Drama
The match, a rematch of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations final won by Senegal, saw both teams struggle in the shoot-out. Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly missed their first penalty, followed by Salah’s errant shot. Egypt’s Saliou Ciss and Zizo also failed to score, while Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr and Ahmadou Bamba Dieng converted. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s save against Mostafa Mohamed set up Sadio Mané to clinch victory with the decisive penalty, sparking celebrations among 50,000 fans. Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz praised his team’s resilience on social media, noting the challenging atmosphere.
Senegal’s Perspective and Experience
Senegal coach Aliou Cissé attributed the win to his team’s experience, stating, “It’s not the first time we’ve played this kind of match. We know how to handle them.” He highlighted the maturity of his squad, which included veterans from the 2018 World Cup, where Senegal exited due to fair play rules. Cissé’s call for passionate fan support was answered, though the EFA’s allegations cast a shadow over the victory. The Senegalese Football Federation’s president, Augustin Senghor, downplayed the incidents, claiming he “didn’t pay attention to the projectiles” and suggesting lasers were a first in Senegal.
Broader African Qualification Picture
Elsewhere, Cameroon’s Karl Toko Ekambi scored a last-gasp goal to edge Algeria on away goals, while Ghana overcame Nigeria via the same rule. Tunisia and Morocco also secured their spots, joining Senegal in the Qatar 2022 draw. The EFA’s complaint, now under FIFA review, raises questions about fan conduct and player safety, with potential disciplinary actions pending. “FIFA is analyzing the official match reports,” a spokesperson told Sky News, signaling a thorough evaluation. As African teams prepare for the global stage, this controversy underscores the need for fair play both on and off the pitch.
