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 Fans in Tears as Tottenham Midfielder Collapses During AFCON Final — You Won’t Believe What Happened Next!

Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was taken to hospital after falling ill during Senegal’s dramatic AFCON final victory over Morocco in Rabat, sources close to the Senegal Football Federation have confirmed to football.london.

The 23-year-old started the match on the bench but felt unwell during the half-time interval, becoming one of three Senegal players hospitalized during the final. Krepin Diatta and Ousseynou Niang were also taken to Mohammed VI Hospital in Rabat after falling ill before the match.

Just minutes before halftime, Sarr was sent out to warm up after Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara suffered a knock. However, Camara was able to continue, and Sarr then fell ill after fellow teammates Diatta and Niang were forced to withdraw from the game during the warm-up.

Video footage displayed Diatta hunched over on the pitch while Niang was physically carried and escorted back into the dressing room by Senegal players. After the game, Camara confirmed the trio were taken to the hospital, stating:

“They’re in the hospital, but I hope they’re doing well.”

Incredibly, Senegal full-back Ismail Jakobs claimed it was no coincidence the three players fell ill simultaneously. Speaking in the mixed zone, Jakobs said:

“A lot happened before the match. I think a lot will come out afterwards. It wasn’t just this situation. Plenty happened before the match too. But you’ll find out. A lot happened to Krepin, Ousseynou, and Pape Matar Sarr at halftime.”

Medical update and recovery of the three stars including Pape Matar Sarr

“The three players are doing well, according to the doctor, at Mohammed VI Hospital in Rabat. Ousseynou Niang will return to the hotel. Krepin Diatta and Pape Matar Sarr are still being kept at the hospital for further observations.”

Niang’s club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise confirmed their player is back with the Senegal squad and doing well. Sarr has since left hospital, though it remains uncertain whether he will join the squad in Dakar for Tuesday’s trophy parade in Senegal’s homeland.

Senegal were crowned AFCON champions following a 1-0 victory after extra-time despite the disruption. Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye struck a stunning winner in extra-time following unprecedented drama in the final exchanges.

Senegal had a late goal chalked off through Ismaila Sarr for an alleged foul on Achraf Hakimi before Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty following a VAR check for a foul on Brahim Diaz from Malick Diouf.

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The eventual champions left the field in protest before returning under captain Sadio Mane’s instructions. Diaz stepped up but his tame panenka was caught by composed former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Idrissa Gana Gueye paid tribute to the ill teammates following the triumph, stating:

“This victory is for them; we had that in mind.”

For Tottenham, Sarr’s return timeline remains unclear as medical assessments continue. Thomas Frank desperately needs the midfielder back as Spurs battle relegation, sitting 14th with 27 points after Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to West Ham left the Danish manager’s position hanging by a thread.