Khaberni - An unexpected move by Senegal's national airline has sparked widespread controversy before the match against Egypt in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Senegalese newspaper Le Soleil reported on a noteworthy initiative concerning one of the fans well-known to the Egyptian audience.
According to the newspaper, the airline has launched a campaign to find the Senegalese fan Mohamed Saliou Ndiaye, who became famous during the Egypt vs. Senegal match in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, after an incident where he used a laser device to distract the Egyptian players.
The newspaper confirmed that the company has pledged to cover all his travel and accommodation expenses, to attend the semi-final match scheduled on Wednesday at the Tangier Grand Stadium.
This move has been widely interpreted as an attempt to support the Senegalese team fan-wise before a crucial encounter, especially since the fan's name has been linked to a controversial moment in one of the most sensitive matches between the teams in recent years.
This initiative has brought back memories of the previous encounter, and the severe criticisms that accompanied the use of lasers in the stands.
Meanwhile, these reports coincided with an official reminder that laser devices are banned inside the stadiums during the Africa Cup of Nations competitions, according to the tournament's regulations, raising questions about the message this step might imply, and its compliance with the principles of fair play and the spirit of sports competition.
The public's reaction to the news was significant, where opinions were divided between those who saw the initiative as merely symbolic and controversial support, and those who viewed it as a psychological escalation before a crucial match, potentially adding more tension to the atmosphere of the anticipated semi-final.
These developments come at a time when attention is turning towards a strong confrontation between Egypt and Senegal, in a match whose importance goes beyond just qualifying for the final, but also carries public and historical dimensions, in light of a series of decisive encounters that have brought the teams together in recent years.
