#afcon-qualifying

#afcon-qualifying

Eighteen Senegalese football supporters convicted over a pitch invasion during the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat in January have denied any wrongdoing. They argued that they had been forced onto the pitch because of a surging crowd or to avoid being spat upon and projectiles thrown towards them.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will long be remembered for the way it finished. There were chaotic scenes at the end of regulation time in the final, when the award of a penalty to Morocco sparked a walk-off from Senegal and led to a delay of over 16 minutes before Brahim Diaz had his Panenka attempt saved. Atlas Lions boss Walid Regragui decried the incident as "shameful", and the Confederation of African Football (Caf) is yet to announce the sanctions.

Egypt arrived at the tournament aiming to lift a record-extending eighth AFCON title, and while performances were inconsistent at times, Hossam Hassan's side showed good progress in the knockout rounds. That progress was halted by Senegal in the semi-finals. A tight contest appeared destined for extra time before Sadio Mane struck in the 78th minute, leaving the Pharaohs unable to find a response.