Gambiaj.com – (RABAT, Morocco) – A Moroccan court has sentenced 18 Senegalese football supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to one year over violent incidents that marred the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Rabat in January.

The ruling was delivered on Thursday by the Rabat Court of First Instance, after prosecutors had earlier sought jail sentences of up to two years for each of the accused, the maximum penalty under Moroccan law for hooliganism-related offenses.

The supporters had been in detention since the January 18 final, which saw Senegal defeat hosts Morocco 1–0 following a tense and chaotic encounter.

According to the prosecution, the accused deliberately attempted to disrupt the match and engaged in acts of violence that were broadcast live on television.

They were charged with hooliganism, including assault on law enforcement officers, destruction of stadium property, pitch invasion, and throwing projectiles.

Prosecutors said the charges were based largely on stadium surveillance footage and medical reports documenting injuries sustained by police officers and stewards during the unrest.

The violence erupted in stoppage time after a Senegal goal was disallowed and Morocco was awarded a penalty, prompting some Senegalese supporters to attempt to storm the pitch.

The disruption lasted nearly 15 minutes, with several objects, including at least one chair, thrown onto the field.

Authorities estimated the damage to the newly rebuilt Moulay Abdellah Stadium at more than €370,000.

The defendants, however, denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings.

Morocco hosted and lost the 35th edition of AFCON to Senegal and is also set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.