RABAT-(MaraviPost)-A court in Rabat has sentenced 18 Senegalese supporters following violent scenes that erupted after the Africa Cup of Nations final played on January 18,2026.
The supporters were arrested in the aftermath of the high stakes final of the Africa Cup of Nations, a match that drew continental attention and ended in tension both on and off the pitch.
According to court proceedings, the fans were convicted on charges linked to hooliganism including alleged acts of vandalism, disorderly conduct and confrontations with security personnel inside and around the stadium.
Nine of the supporters received the heaviest penalty one year in prison each along with fines of approximately 325,000 FCFA, equivalent to about 5,000 Moroccan dirhams or roughly 545 US dollars.
Six others were sentenced to six months behind bars and ordered to pay fines of nearly 125,000 FCFA, which translates to about 2,000 dirhams or around 220 US dollars.
The remaining three were handed three month prison terms and fined approximately 75,000 FCFA, or about 1,000 dirhams close to 130 US dollars.
The sentencing follows weeks of detention after the group was arrested during the post match unrest that overshadowed what was supposed to be a celebration of African football excellence.
Prosecutors reportedly pushed for tougher penalties, arguing that the disturbances risked public safety and damaged property during one of the continent’s most prestigious sporting occasions.
Defense lawyers, however, maintained that some of the accused were caught up in the chaos and denied deliberate involvement in violent acts.
The case has also stirred conversation in Senegal, where families and supporters are closely following developments and weighing possible legal appeals.
Football governing bodies across Africa continue to emphasize discipline and fan responsibility, warning that hooliganism threatens the spirit of unity the tournament is meant to promote.
