Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has criticized the "deplorable" scenes that occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco. The match, which saw Senegal defeat host nation Morocco 1-0 in extra time on January 18, 2026, was marred by fan violence and protests, leading to the arrest of Senegalese supporters.
The AFCON final, held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, witnessed significant unrest. With the score tied late in the game, a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco after a VAR check. This decision sparked outrage among Senegalese players, who briefly walked off the pitch in protest. Simultaneously, some Senegalese fans attempted to storm the pitch, throwing objects and clashing with Moroccan security. Security forces eventually contained the situation, but not before a 20-minute standoff ensued.
In the aftermath of the game, Moroccan authorities detained 18 Senegalese nationals and one Algerian national, accusing them of hooliganism, attempting to enter the pitch, and throwing objects, including a stadium chair that reportedly hit stewards. These individuals were placed in pre-trial detention, and their trial commenced last Thursday but was quickly adjourned until January 29 to allow the defense more preparation time.
Prime Minister Sonko is currently in Morocco for a three-day official visit that was pre-scheduled, but it has now taken on an added urgency. The visit coincides with the 15th session of the High Joint Partnership Committee between Senegal and Morocco, focusing on strengthening cooperation between the two nations in sectors like tourism, energy, infrastructure, and transport. However, the prime minister's agenda now includes addressing the situation of the detained fans and working to de-escalate tensions that have risen between the two countries following the final.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has also weighed in on the matter, expressing regret over the incidents and emphasizing that "African fraternity will naturally prevail" over the "deplorable acts" witnessed during the match. Similarly, Sonko has called for tensions to be defused, acknowledging the deep historical, spiritual, and economic ties between Senegal and Morocco. Morocco is currently Senegal's top African trade supplier, making the relationship between the two countries vital.
Despite the efforts to downplay the situation, social media has been rife with heated exchanges between rival fans. International relations analysts have cautioned against politicizing the event, emphasizing that the match should remain a sporting matter. The joint commission meeting is seen as a signal that ties between the two countries remain stable despite the recent disruptions.
