AFCON: Protestors March In Senegal Over 18 Jailed Fans In Morocco
Hundreds of protesters marched through Dakar on Saturday in support of 18 Senegal fans jailed in Morocco following the disruption during the Africa Cup of Nations final in January.
Supporters hold placards and flags as they march during a demonstration against the detention in Morocco of Senegalese supporters following incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations, in Dakar on February 28, 2026.
AFP journalists on the scene said protesters chanted “Free the hostages”.
The jailed supporters were tried for hooliganism on February 19 and given sentences ranging from three months to one year in prison by a Rabat court.
Supporters hold placards and flags as they march during a demonstration against the detention in Morocco of Senegalese supporters following incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations, in Dakar on February 28, 2026.
Late in the final Morocco were awarded a penalty and a section of Senegal fans struggled physically with security in a bid to gain access to the pitch.
Nine of those involved were sentenced to a year in jail and slapped with a 460-euro ($544) fine.
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Senegal’s prime minister Ousmane Sonko told his parliament the judgment went too far, saying Morocco’s handling of the case “does not honour” relations between the two countries.
Supporters hold placards and flags as they march during a demonstration against the detention in Morocco of Senegalese supporters following incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations, in Dakar on February 28, 2026. Sonko also insisted Senegal was doing “everything it had to do” to obtain the release of its 18 nationals.
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Senegal won the AFCON title 1-0 in extra-time after Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the controversial penalty.
AFP
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
