[PHOTOS] AFCON: Protestors march in Dakar over jailed Senegal fans in Morocco

2026-02-28 - 15:28

Around 250 protesters marched through Dakar on Saturday in support of 18 Senegal fans jailed in Morocco following the disruption during the Africa Cup of Nations final in January. AFP journalists on the scene said protesters chanted “Free the hostages”. The jailed supporters were tried for hooliganism on February 19 and given sentences ranging from three months to one year in prison by a Rabat court. Late in the final Morocco were awarded a penalty and a section of Senegal fans struggled physically with security in a bid to gain access to the pitch. Nine of those involved were sentenced to a year in jail and slapped with a 460-euro ($544) fine. Senegal’s prime minister Ousmane Sonko told his parliament the judgement went too far, saying Morocco’s handling of the case “does not honour” relations between the two countries. Sonko also insisted Senegal was doing “everything it had to do” to obtain the release of its 18 nationals. Senegal won the AFCON title 1-0 in extra-time after Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the controversial penalty. See photos below Supporters hold placards and flags as they march during a demonstration against the detention in Morocco of Senegalese supporters following incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations, in Dakar on February 28, 2026. Around 250 protesters marched through Dakar on February 28, 2026 in support of 18 football fans jailed in Morocco following incidents during the final of the African Nations Cup in January. The jailed supporters were tried for hooliganism on February 19, 2026 and given sentences between three months to one year in prison by a Rabat court. (Photo by SEYLLOU / AFP) Supporters hold placards and flags as they march during a demonstration against the detention in Morocco of Senegalese supporters following incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations, in Dakar on February 28, 2026. Around 250 protesters marched through Dakar on February 28, 2026 in support of 18 football fans jailed in Morocco following incidents during the final of the African Nations Cup in January. The jailed supporters were tried for hooliganism on February 19, 2026 and given sentences between three months to one year in prison by a Rabat court. (Photo by SEYLLOU / AFP) Supporters hold placards and chant slogans during a demonstration against the detention in Morocco of Senegalese supporters following incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations, in Dakar on February 28, 2026. Around 250 protesters marched through Dakar on February 28, 2026 in support of 18 football fans jailed in Morocco following incidents during the final of the African Nations Cup in January. The jailed supporters were tried for hooliganism on February 19, 2026 and given sentences between three months to one year in prison by a Rabat court. (Photo by SEYLLOU / AFP) Supporters hold placards as they gather during a demonstration against the detention in Morocco of Senegalese supporters following incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations, in Dakar on February 28, 2026. Around 250 protesters marched through Dakar on February 28, 2026 in support of 18 football fans jailed in Morocco following incidents during the final of the African Nations Cup in January. The jailed supporters were tried for hooliganism on February 19, 2026 and given sentences between three months to one year in prison by a Rabat court. (Photo by SEYLLOU / AFP)