“AFCON 2025: Hakimi Reveals Regret Over Morocco’s Towel Controversy”

Morocco’s national squad leader, Achraf Hakimi, has conveyed regret regarding the contentious towel incidents that occurred towards the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Two prominent athletes entangled in the towel incidents were Stanley Nwabali of the Super Eagles and Édouard Mendy, the Senegalese goalkeeper.

Members of the Moroccan team staff, ball attendants, and even players like Hakimi were frequently captured on camera attempting to seize towels from the rival goalkeepers during both the semifinal and the final.

The visuals left many bewildered as the actions appeared aimed at complicating the goalkeepers’ ability to maintain grip in the damp conditions.

In the final, video recordings depicted Moroccan players and stadium personnel retrieving towels intended to keep Mendy’s gloves dry due to light rain.

A comparable scenario unfolded in the Atlas Lions’ semifinal clash against the Super Eagles, where Nwabali experienced similar treatment.

Following Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Hakimi commented on the Movistar channel, stating, “These are challenging moments, and the match was incredibly intense on the field.

“I don’t take pride in the image we presented with the towels. Despite that occurrence, the team performed admirably in the tournament.

“We demonstrated respect towards our opponents in the competition.”

Morocco triumphed over Nigeria 4-2 in the Afcon semifinal following a penalty shootout, with Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi failing to convert their kicks.