AFCON 2025: Hundreds Senegalese protest over jailed fans in Morocco

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Dakar on Saturday to demand the release of 18 Senegalese fans imprisoned in Morocco following disturbances at the Africa Cup of Nations final in January.

Carrying flags and placards, the crowd chanted slogans such as “Free the hostages” as they marched through the city.

The supporters had been sentenced for hooliganism by a Rabat court on February 19, receiving prison terms ranging from three months to one year. Nine of the fans were handed one-year sentences along with fines of 460 euros ($544).

The incidents unfolded late in the final when Morocco was awarded a penalty. Some Senegalese fans clashed with security in an attempt to reach the pitch.

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko criticized the verdict in parliament, describing Morocco’s handling of the case as damaging to bilateral relations.

He added that Senegal was “doing everything it had to do” to secure the release of its citizens.

The match itself ended in a 1-0 victory for Senegal after Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the decisive penalty in extra time.