Three Senegalese football fans, previously detained in Morocco following disturbances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final, touched down in Dakar on Thursday evening. Abdoulaye Dieng, Ibrahima Diop, and Aziz Wade landed at the Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) in Diass at 6:25 PM aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd eager to welcome them home.

The trio were among 18 supporters arrested during the high-tension match between Senegal and Morocco, facing charges that included public disorder, throwing objects, damaging stadium property, and assaulting law enforcement officers. After serving a three-month prison sentence, they were released on April 18th and returned to Senegal as free men.

remaining supporters still behind bars

The remaining 15 fans, whose appeals were rejected, face sentences ranging from six months to one year in prison. Their eventual repatriation to Senegal will occur gradually, as each completes their respective sentences. Authorities have confirmed that no further legal obstacles stand in the way of their eventual return.

understanding the incidents and legal outcomes

The disturbances that led to the arrests occurred in the aftermath of the AFCON final, where emotions ran high among both sets of supporters. The Moroccan judicial system handed down the initial verdicts, which were later upheld on appeal. While the three released fans have served their time, the remaining group continues to await their fate within the Moroccan penal system.