A Moroccan court has sentenced 19 soccer fans to prison terms for hooliganism during the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal. The defendants, 18 Senegalese and one French national, received sentences ranging from three months to one year after supporters attempted to storm the field in protest of a late penalty decision.

During the five-hour hearing, the judge found the fans guilty of damaging sporting facilities and committing violence during the match. Eleven received one-year sentences with $550 fines, while others received shorter terms with lesser fines. The public prosecutor had sought maximum penalties, citing damages exceeding $476,719. The defendants' lawyers argued insufficient evidence for conviction and plan to appeal.

The sentences mark the latest development from a final that sparked diplomatic tensions between Morocco and Senegal. The Confederation of African Football previously fined both nations $1 million and imposed bans. Morocco plans to appeal these sanctions as disproportionate. The match saw Senegalese players walk off the pitch and supporters throwing chairs before police intervention, prompting both countries' officials to reinforce their "strong and historic" bilateral relations.