Senegal prime minister Ousmane Sonko has expressed his displeasure over the prison sentencing of 18 Senegalese fans by a Moroccan court for invading the pitch during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, Afrosport reports.
The Teranga Lions defeated the tournaments hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time after the game had been delayed in regular time over a penalty awarded to the Atlas Lions which aggrieved the Senegalese players who walked off the pitch before returning.
The convicted supporters were accused of violence against security forces and of causing damage in the aftermath of the final and were subsequently detained. A court last Thursday handed them sentences ranging from three months to one year in jail and fines worth up to $545.
“It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport, and that is regrettable,” Sonko told the Senegalese parliament.
“For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far.”
The prime minister said Senegal has done everything to secure their release and could activate a bilateral agreement allowing the mutual transfer of convicts if necessary.
