Final Chaos at AFCON: 19 Fans, 1 Algerian, Face Moroccan Court
23 January 2026
Overview
In a dramatic post-final chapter, a Moroccan court heard 19 football fans tied to the Africa Cup of Nations clash between Morocco and Senegal.
What happened on the day
Senegal won the final 1-0 after extra time at Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Late in the game, tensions rose when a disputed Moroccan penalty ignited clashes between several Senegalese supporters and security forces, sparking disorder in the stands.
Legal proceedings
The Rabat First Instance Court is examining 18 Senegalese supporters and one Algerian, with the proceedings adjourned to January 29 amid heavy security inside the courthouse.
The defense for the Senegalese fans requested provisional release in exchange for identifying details and surrendering passports to guarantee future appearances.
Naima El-Klaf, a Moroccan lawyer and politician, urged the release of the defendants, citing strong bilateral ties and upcoming talks between the two nations.
The Algerian defendant’s counsel, noting the man traveled to support his brother who works with the Senegalese coaching staff, also pressed for release.
The prosecutor described the events as nearly turning into a disaster, listing charges such as violence at a sporting event, entering the field with force, damaging equipment, assault on security personnel, and throwing liquids that caused harm.
The session included the presence of a security officer injured during the final, who attended the hearing as part of the case record.
Punchline 1: If chaos paid admission, that final would’ve funded a whole league season.—Punchline 2: In football, they say the best defense is a good offense; apparently, in court, it’s a good alibi and a sharp lawyer.
