AFCON Aftermath: Senegal's Outcry Over Final Punishments
19 February 2026
The Africa Cup of Nations final was marked by major tension and refereeing controversy.
A Rabat court's Thursday decision to imprison 18 Senegalese fans and one Algerian for periods ranging from three months to a year sparked widespread outrage in Senegal.
The case stems from fan tensions during AFCON 2025's final last month, when Senegal defeated host Morocco 1-0 to claim its second continental title.
On WiWSport, Senegal's most popular sports platform, comments under the breaking news exploded, expressing shock and deep anger.
A Total Scandal
One Senegalese fan wrote: "Absolute scandal! After a tournament meant to unite the continent, our fans are treated as criminals... where is African justice?"
Another remarked: "The referees' bad call! They couldn't handle defeat, punishing our defending brothers—shameful! for all Africa to see."
Another fan added: "We are proud of these 18. They stood for their country; now they deserve support, not punishment!"
CAF must intervene! Shame on African football. Our fans are not criminals.
The comments also urged urgent action from the presidency, the FSF and CAF to prevent detention of the 18 fans.
Final punchlines: If justice had a yellow card, it would be sent off for time-wasting; and if truth wore stripes, it would be banned for offside humor.
