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Senegal were crowned AFCON champions following a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco after extra-time in Rabat but Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr played no part in the game
Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was taken to hospital for checks after falling ill during Senegal's AFCON final victory over Morocco in Rabat.
The 23-year-old started the match on the bench but is understood to have felt unwell during the half-time interval.
Just minutes before the break, Sarr was sent out to warm up by Senegal's coaching staff after Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara suffered a knock.
However, Camara was able to continue and it's understood Sarr then fell ill after fellow team-mates Krepin Diatta and Ousseynou Niang were forced to withdraw from the game during the warm up.
Video footage has since displayed Diatta hunched over on the pitch while Niang was physically carried and escorted back into the dressing room by the Senegal players.
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After the game, Camara confirmed the trio were taken to hospital, stating: "They're in the hospital, but I hope they're doing well."
Senegalese outlet Taggat also issued an update, reporting: "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 have since confirmed their player is back with the Senegal squad, stating: "Ousseynou Niang is an AFCON winner! After extra time, the Lions of Teranga defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final.
"Niang felt unwell before the game and was taken to hospital along with two teammates. It has since been confirmed he is doing well and has rejoined the Senegalese squad."
Football.London has contacted Tottenham for an update on Sarr's condition.
Incredibly, Senegal full-back Ismail Jakobs has claimed it's no coincidence the three players fell ill, telling media in the mixed zone: “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."
Football.London understands plans are taking shape for Senegal to parade their trophy in their homeland on Tuesday but at this moment in time, it remains to be seen whether Sarr will join the squad in Dakar.
Idrissa Gana Gueye also paid tribute to his ill team-mates following the thrilling triumph, stating: "This victory is for them; we had that in mind."
Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye struck a stunning winner in extra-time following unprecedented drama in the final exchanges of the game.
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.
The eventual champions then left the field in protest against the call before later returning under the instructions of captain Sadio Mane.
Diaz then stepped up the plate but his tame panenka was caught by composed former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
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