The final, which Senegal eventually won 1-0 to lift their second AFCON title, was interrupted for over fifteen minutes, as the Lions of Teranga attempted to abandon the pitch following refereeing decisions.
During the standoff, Senegal fans invaded the pitch prompting a number of them to be arrested by Moroccan authorities. The fans numbering 18 were later sentenced and fined, according to the responsibility determined by the legal authorities.
The length of their detentions handed down by the Moroccan courts varied between three months and one year.
Nine of the supporters were sentenced to one year in prison and each required to pay a fine of 5,000 dirhams, or approximately 1,361.47 USD, while six others received six months of imprisonment and a fine of 2,000 dirhams, equivalent to 544.59 USD.
The remaining three were sentenced to three months in prison and will have to pay 1,200 dirhams, equivalent to 326.75 USD.
Speaking for the first time since the ruling by the Moroccan court, Koulibaly, who captained Senegal in Morocco, has issued a strong statement to condemn the decision and promised to make every effort to have the fans released.
‘We remain committed to supporting your families’
“You are not walking alone. Behind you is an entire nation. And by your side are your players, your brothers, united in dignity and patience,” said Koulibaly.
“Our only fight, our only hope, is to see you free and reunited with your families. Stay strong! We remain committed to supporting your families with heart and responsibility. And we are doing everything we can to ensure your freedom tomorrow. Free our supporters!”
Koulibaly added: “We were sensitive to your situation from the very beginning. If we remained publicly silent, it was neither out of distance nor indifference, quite the contrary. We chose responsibility.
“We felt that, given the ongoing legal proceedings, it was essential to allow the State of Senegal, our authorities, and the competent bodies to conduct the necessary legal proceedings, without our statements or actions even unintentionally interfering negatively.
“We did not want to politicise your situation. We did not want to further publicize an already sensitive matter. And, above all, we did not want to steal the spotlight in a struggle that had only one common goal: your release."
“We have clearly understood our role: to act discreetly, to exchange information privately, to support the efforts, to remain united, to trust the diplomatic and legal channels.”
In a recent interview, Senegal's prime minister bewailed the court’s prison sentence against the supporters.
“It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport, and that is regrettable,” Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko told parliament.
“For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far.”
‘In our hearts, you remain victors’
According to Koulibaly, the fans' situation should be considered as harsh and profoundly unjust.
“You were on a mission to support your team, your country, convinced of its strength and potential. The way the final in Rabat unfolded has placed you in a situation we consider harsh and profoundly unjust,” added the defender, who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.
“But in our hearts, you remain victors. This continental trophy also bears your mark. It is a testament to your passion, your loyalty, and your patriotism.
“Today, we continue to act responsibly, with respect for institutions, with confidence in diplomacy, and with the hope that wisdom and a spirit of transcendence will lead to a swift and favourable outcome.”
A few weeks after the final, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw was suspended for five matches and fined USD 100,000.
