Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has expressed regret over the controversial towel incidents that marred the closing stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The incidents, which occurred during both the semi-final and final matches, involved Moroccan players, ball boys, and officials repeatedly taking towels from opposing goalkeepers, actions that drew widespread criticism.
The controversy centred around Morocco’s clashes with Nigeria and Senegal, where opposing goalkeepers, Stanley Nwabali of the Super Eagles and Édouard Mendy, were reportedly denied access to towels.
Video footage from the matches showed Moroccan players and stadium staff removing towels meant to help the goalkeepers maintain grip in wet conditions.
The incidents were particularly noticeable during the final, where light rain made handling more difficult, raising concerns that the actions were intended to gain an unfair advantage.
A similar situation was recorded in the semi-final encounter between Morocco and Nigeria, where Nwabali was subjected to the same treatment.
Hakimi Expresses Regret
Speaking after Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg, Hakimi addressed the controversy.
“These are tough times, and the game was very tense on the field,” he said on Movistar.
“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 their opponent in the tournament.”
Morocco had defeated Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in the AFCON semi-final after a tense encounter.
The Super Eagles’ hopes were dashed after Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed their spot-kicks.
