Senegalese supporters behind bars claim innocence over Africa Cup of Nations final mayhem

Violence erupted among Senegal supporters during the Africa Cup of Nations final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026.

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In a courtroom in Morocco, 18 Senegalese football supporters, who were previously convicted over a pitch invasion during the chaotic final, denied any wrongdoing on Monday.

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A Moroccan court had sentenced the 18 Senegalese football fans to prison terms ranging from three to 12 months in February, with charges of hooliganism being levied against them.

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Prosecutors, however, are seeking longer prison terms for the 18 supporters in the appeals court in Rabat.

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The Senegalese supporters claimed on Monday that they were forced onto the pitch due to a surging crowd or to avoid being spat upon and having projectiles thrown at them.

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According to their account, their actions were not a form of protest against a refereeing decision at the end of the contentious AFCON final on January 18, which Senegal won 1-0.

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In a dramatic turn of events, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reversed Senegal's win last month, awarding the title to Morocco two months after the final.

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The Senegalese Football Federation swiftly responded by instructing its lawyers to lodge an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

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On Monday, defence lawyer Naima El Guellaf requested that videos of the incidents be shown in court to verify the identities of the 18 Senegalese supporters.

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The prosecution, however, rejected this request, arguing that the Senegalese supporters were caught in the act and that "the entire world saw these terrible images live".

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The judge has yet to respond to the request to replay the videos of the incidents.

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According to defence lawyer Patrick Kabou, "there have been mistakes" and the individuals involved in the incidents are currently in Senegal and not present in court.