Senegalese Supporters Appear in Court Over AFCON Final Chaos

Eighteen Senegalese supporters and one Algerian supporter arrested in Morocco on Sunday over alleged involvement in acts of hooliganism during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final appeared in court on Thursday afternoon.

The 18 Senegalese nationals were taken into custody on the instructions of the Rabat court prosecutor’s office “in order to question them about acts of hooliganism committed” inside the stadium, a judicial source told AFP on Monday.

The Algerian supporter, who was also taken into custody, is suspected of “inciting hooliganism.”

During the hearing, the Senegalese fans requested provisional release, citing their fixed addresses, which would allow for summons through the Senegalese Embassy in Morocco, as well as legal protections provided under Moroccan law for foreign nationals. Alternatives such as financial bail, passport confiscation, and travel restrictions were also proposed.

The Rabat First Criminal Court postponed the trial to January 29.

A few minutes before the end of stoppage time in the second half of the match — which Senegal won 1–0 against Morocco thanks to a goal by Pape Gueye — several dozen Senegalese supporters attempted to invade the pitch for nearly 15 minutes before being subdued by police and stewards.

Some were captured on camera throwing projectiles onto the field, including at least one chair. Shortly before the incident, players had left the pitch in protest over the awarding of a penalty to Morocco in the final seconds.

Caught up in the tense atmosphere, fans attempted to rush onto the pitch as Brahim Diaz was about to take his penalty, which he ultimately missed after the Senegalese players returned to the field, spurred on by their star, Sadio Mané. At the start of extra time, Senegal scored the winning goal.