Disgraceful scenes in Afcon final as Morocco players and officials adopt dirty tactics
Senegal's goalkeeper #16 Edouard Mendy is targeted by a laser during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. Picture: Sebastien Bozon/AFP
Image: Sebastien Bozon/AFP
Despite losing the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final to Senegal, host Morocco’s conduct during the match has drawn further criticism for their shameful tactics.
Moroccan player Ismael Saibari was filmed near the Senegal goal attempting to steal his opposition keeper Édouard Mendy’s towel, which he would need to dry the ball.
In the video, we see a Senegal player keeping hold of the towel, which is normally just left next to the goalposts for the keepers to grab easily whenever they need it.
The scene became farcical as Mendy came running towards the goal line, and Saibari appeared to be marking the Senegal player off the field of play in an attempt to get the towel to the keeper.
In another clip, Morocco player Achraf Hakimi was seen throwing Mendy’s towel over the advertising boards while there was a commotion with the referee in the box. It’s clear he hoped Senegal wouldn’t notice, but moments later, El Hadji Malick Diouf came bounding over the board to retrieve the towel for the visitors.
Shocking Scenes in Afcon Final
In a third shocking video, the Senegal player guarding the towel is seen being dragged away by the Morocco ball boys.
The poster of the video on X, @tobyasky, said: “The guy they’re dragging plays for Nice in France, if I’m not mistaken.” A Top tier goalkeeper, Yehvann Diouf.
“Ball boys are dragging a professional player on the floor. Ball boys? What power do they have?
“Look at Saibari too, a champions league player, this is beyond disgraceful brethren."
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