The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations concluded in Morocco with Senegal lifting the trophy, but the tournament's legacy is overwhelmingly defined by controversy. Allegations of systematic gamesmanship by the host nation and a series of contentious refereeing decisions have ignited a fierce debate about integrity in African football.
The Bizarre "Towel War" Tactics
The most visually shocking controversy was the so-called "towel war" against opposing goalkeepers. This strategy involved the deliberate removal of goalkeepers' towels, essential for grip, in what appeared to be coordinated acts of disruption.
During the semi-final against Nigeria, a stadium steward sprinted onto the pitch to snatch goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali's towel. Nwabali also faced objects thrown from the stands, including a banana. The tactic escalated dramatically in the final against Senegal.
Throughout the match, ball boys repeatedly targeted Senegal's Édouard Mendy, leading to physical altercations. In one incident, multiple ball boys dragged a Senegal reserve player to the ground as he tried to protect the towel. Moroccan players were active participants: midfielder Ismael Saibari blocked staff from passing replacement towels, and defender Achraf Hakimi was filmed throwing Mendy's towel over the advertising boards.
Football analysts and fans widely condemned these actions as disgraceful and damaging to the sport's reputation, suggesting institutional coordination rather than isolated mischief.
Contentious Refereeing Decisions Fuel Bias Claims
Beyond the towel incidents, Morocco faced persistent accusations of benefiting from favourable officiating. In their quarter-final against Cameroon, a clear foul on Bryan Mbeumo went unchecked by VAR, aiding Morocco's progression.
The final against Senegal proved most contentious. Senegal had a goal disallowed for what many deemed a soft foul. Later, deep into stoppage time, VAR advised a penalty for Morocco after Brahim Diaz was tugged in the box. The decision provoked Senegal's players to walk off in protest, causing a 14-minute delay.
When play resumed, Diaz's Panenka penalty was saved by Mendy, sending the match to extra time where Pape Gueye scored the 94th-minute winner for Senegal.
Fallout and the Ironic Fair Play Award
Moroccan coach Walid Regragui defended his team, calling criticism "shameful" but did not directly address the specific towel incidents. The post-final press conference descended into chaos when Moroccan journalists booed Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and his daughter.
Senegal's camp also complained of broader hosting issues, including inadequate security and unfair training facilities. Ironically, despite the documented conduct, Morocco was awarded the tournament's Fair Play Trophy, a decision that baffled many observers.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) opened investigations into some quarter-final incidents but did not confirm systemic bias. Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali, a victim of the tactics, later took to Instagram, suggesting Morocco use the "stolen towels" to dry their tears after the final loss.
The 2025 AFCON will be remembered not just for Senegal's triumph, but for a host nation's conduct that has left a lasting stain on the competition's reputation for sportsmanship.
