AFCON 2025: Niang Slams Morocco Over Goalkeepers’ Towels Incident

Former Senegal striker Mamadou Niang has accused Morocco of ‘unsporting behavior’ during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), citing repeated incidents involving goalkeepers’ towels in matches against Nigeria and Senegal.

Pitchside cameras captured Moroccan ball boys and stewards snatching towels used by Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in the semi-final, and Senegal’s Édouard Mendy in the final.

The towels, crucial for drying gloves in rainy conditions, were often tossed into the stands, forcing the goalkeepers to request replacements from their benches.

While Nigerian players did not protest during their semi-final defeat to Morocco on penalties (4–2), the issue escalated in the final, creating friction between Senegal and the hosts.

Speaking to Canal+, Niang condemned the actions and urged organisers to uphold fair play.

‘We saw what happened against Nigeria where Nwabali repeatedly had to get a towel to dry his gloves and face. And then it happened again several times,’ Niang said.

‘They stole Édouard’s towel, I think five or six times. It started raining in extra time, his gloves were very wet, and that affected his vision. The Morocco players shouldn’t prevent another Senegalese player from giving the towel to his goalkeeper.’

Niang stressed that responsibility lies with tournament organisers and stewards, insisting such incidents should never occur under official supervision.

Despite the controversy, Senegal triumphed 1–0 in extra time to claim their second continental title, denying hosts Morocco glory on home soil.