AFCON Final Marred by Touchline Drama as Towel Incident Sparks Controversy

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco was overshadowed by touchline drama following a series of unusual incidents involving the Senegal goalkeeper’s towel.

As rain fell steadily at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy repeatedly lost the towel used to keep his gloves dry. Footage circulating during the match showed Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper, Yehvan Diouf, frequently retrieving towels amid tense exchanges with Moroccan ball boys and substitutes.

Social media clips later appeared to show Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi throwing the towel away from the pitch-side area, fuelling accusations of unsporting conduct.

The incidents echoed similar moments earlier in the tournament, including the semi-final involving Nigeria, where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was involved in comparable exchanges. Nwabali later mocked the situation in a social media post following Morocco’s defeat in the final.

The match itself was equally dramatic. In the closing moments of regulation time, a controversial penalty was awarded against Senegal, prompting protests and a brief walk-off by Senegalese players.

Morocco’s Brahim Díaz failed to convert the penalty, with Mendy producing a crucial save. The match proceeded to extra time, where Senegal scored the decisive goal to secure a 1–0 victory and claim the AFCON title.

African football authorities have since vowed to investigate the conduct surrounding the final, which was marked by delays, disputes and intense touchline confrontations.