Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has publicly expressed regret over the controversial towel incidents that overshadowed the closing stages of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
The incidents, which drew widespread attention, involved Moroccan players, staff, and ball boys repeatedly taking towels from opposing goalkeepers during crucial matches. Among those affected were Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali of the Nigeria national football team and Senegal’s Édouard Mendy.
Footage from both the semifinal and final showed multiple attempts by Moroccan personnel—including Hakimi himself—to remove towels intended to help goalkeepers maintain grip in damp conditions. The actions sparked confusion and criticism, with many interpreting them as deliberate attempts to gain an advantage in wet weather.
During the final, played under light rain, videos captured Moroccan players and stadium staff taking towels meant for Mendy, potentially affecting his performance. A similar pattern was observed in the semifinal clash against Nigeria, where Nwabali experienced the same interference.
Speaking after Paris Saint-Germain’s 2–0 victory over Liverpool FC in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg, Hakimi addressed the controversy in an interview with Movistar.
“These are tough times, and the game was very tense on the field,” Hakimi said.
“I don’t feel proud about the image we gave off with the towels. Even though that happened, the team did well in the competition.
We showed respect for our opponents in the tournament.”
Despite the controversy, Morocco progressed to the final after defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties in the semifinal. The Super Eagles missed two crucial spot kicks, taken by Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, sealing their exit.
The towel incidents remain a talking point from the tournament, raising questions about gamesmanship and sportsmanship at the highest level of African football.
