What was supposed to be a night of celebration turned into a frightening ordeal for a group of Moroccan students in Dakar. On January 18, during the much-anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal, tensions erupted at a café in the Senegalese capital, forcing the students to take shelter as the situation outside spiraled out of control.
The students had gathered to watch the game, but things took a dark turn after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco. According to video footage that quickly circulated on social media, the mood shifted dramatically. A large crowd reportedly formed outside the venue, furious about the call, and began throwing stones at the building. Those inside were trapped, fearing what might happen if they stepped out.
The video captures the raw panic: shaky voices, anxious expressions, and a growing sense of dread. The students explain they had to barricade themselves inside, convinced their safety was at serious risk. The football match, still playing in the background, faded into insignificance. At one point, someone can be heard hoping the Moroccan player would miss the penalty—an eerie wish that came true. When Diaz failed to score, the students described it as an immense relief, believing it may have spared them from potential violence.
For these young Moroccans, what should have been a shared moment of sportsmanship became an agonizing test of endurance and fear. The contrast between the spirit of the tournament and the fear they experienced couldn’t have been more stark.
In the aftermath, Moroccan organizations based in Senegal responded swiftly. On January 19, both the Moroccan Doctors’ Collective in Senegal and the Moroccan Students’ League issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the hostility that had emerged after the match. They condemned the incidents and described the situation as alarming, especially given the historically strong ties between the two countries.
Their message was clear: there is no place for violence, provocation, or scapegoating. They emphasized that football should unite people, not divide them. The sport, they said, must remain a force for mutual respect and brotherhood.
The statement also stressed the deep and enduring relationship between Morocco and Senegal, built over generations through cultural, spiritual, and diplomatic bonds. A football result, they added, should never be allowed to damage that foundation.
As tensions simmer, the two organizations issued a firm call for calm and responsibility. They urged both Moroccan and Senegalese communities to act with maturity and preserve the peaceful coexistence that has long defined their relationship.
They also appealed directly to Senegalese authorities, asking the police and relevant agencies to step in and ensure the safety of everyone involved. Their hope is that proactive action will prevent any further escalation and keep similar incidents from happening again.
