The rivalry and competitiveness witnessed in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations football final between the national teams of Morocco and Senegal was not limited to events on the pitch, but also included notable moments that extended throughout the match.
In an atmosphere filled with tension, an incident caught the attention of fans and camera lenses, after the towel of Senegal’s national team goalkeeper Édouard Mendy became the focus of an extraordinary scene inside the green rectangle.
Mendy’s Towel Sparks Controversy in Africa Cup of Nations Final
Cameras captured players from the Moroccan national team trying to remove the towel and prevent it from reaching Mendy, before the scene repeated later, when the captain of the “Atlas Lions,” Achraf Hakimi, appeared throwing the Senegalese goalkeeper’s towel off the pitch, before a Senegal national team player rushed to pick it up again.
The events began when a towel belonging to Senegal’s national team goalkeeper Édouard Mendy was placed near the goal area, prompting Moroccan players and match officials to intervene and remove it.
This action caused tension between the two teams and led to a brief stoppage in the match, which was held in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.
CAF Referees Committee Head Condemns Senegal Goalkeeper
The head of the referees committee for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) commented on the ongoing controversy regarding the “towel” incident that occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations final.
In an interview, he explained the reason for the intervention, saying: “The towel could have affected the course of the match.”
He added: “The towel must be kept away from the goalkeeper, because it could influence match events.”
He clarified: “The towel is not part of any player’s equipment, and if any dispute arises on the pitch, I believe it should be removed, because such things can have a direct or indirect influence.”
In this context, he warned that using such items on the pitch could be considered unsporting behavior or an attempt to influence the match result.
He emphasized: “Using a towel on the pitch is considered unacceptable behavior and could be interpreted as an attempt to influence the course of the match.”
The Senegal national team secured its second Africa Cup of Nations title, following a (1-0) victory over its Moroccan counterpart after extra time in the final match.
Senegal
Senegal is a West African nation known for its rich cultural heritage, shaped by historic empires like the Ghana and Jolof, and as a focal point of the transatlantic slave trade at sites such as Gorée Island. It gained independence from France in 1960 and is celebrated for its tradition of Teranga (hospitality), vibrant music like mbalax, and its role as a hub of Islamic scholarship in cities like Touba.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th-century Islamic conquests, and later European colonial interests. It is known for historic imperial cities like Fez and Marrakech, which feature ancient medinas and Islamic architecture, as well as diverse landscapes from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. The nation gained independence from France in 1956 and is a constitutional monarchy with a unique blend of Arab, African, and European cultural influences.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first contested in 1957. It is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and has grown from three founding nations to include dozens of teams, serving as a major continental sporting event.
Édouard Mendy
Édouard Mendy is not a place or cultural site, but a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper. He rose to prominence at Chelsea FC and made history by becoming the first African goalkeeper to win the UEFA Champions League in 2021.
Atlas Lions
The “Atlas Lions” is the nickname for the Moroccan national football team, derived from the Barbary lion that historically inhabited the Atlas Mountains. The team has a celebrated history, most notably becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in 2022.
Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi is not a place or cultural site, but a professional footballer from Morocco. He is known for his career playing for clubs like Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, and for representing the Moroccan national team.
Rabat
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, founded in the 12th century by the Almohad Caliphate as a ribat (fortified monastery). It is now a modern political and administrative center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved historic quarters, including the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower.
Confederation of African Football
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is the administrative and controlling body for association football in Africa, founded in 1957. Its establishment in Khartoum, Sudan, was closely tied to the continent’s decolonization movements, aiming to promote and develop the game independently. CAF organizes major competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations, and represents the interests of its member national associations within FIFA.
CAF
CAF, or the Club Atlético Fenix, is a Uruguayan sports club founded in 1916 in Montevideo, primarily known for its football team. The club has spent much of its history in Uruguay’s top professional divisions and is recognized for its distinctive light blue and white colors.
