Senegal Goalkeeper Breaks Silence on Bizarre AFCON 2025 Towel Incident
Senegal's second-choice goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf has provided a detailed account of the unusual events that unfolded between him and Moroccan ballboys during the dramatic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The goalkeeper revealed the surreal nature of the incident that captured global attention during the championship match.
The Rain-Soaked Final and Towel Protection Duty
The AFCON 2025 final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026, witnessed multiple controversial moments during its nearly three-hour duration. Amid heavy rainfall that drenched the pitch, Diouf found himself assigned to an unexpected role: protecting teammate Édouard Mendy's towels from being taken away by Moroccan ballboys.
This was not an isolated incident, as Moroccan ballboys had previously stolen multiple towels from Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali during Nigeria's semi-final match against Morocco. This pattern of behavior necessitated extra vigilance during the championship match.
Diouf's Surreal Experience on the Touchline
Yehvann Diouf described the bizarre exchange with one ballboy who told him to "Be fair play" during the altercation. "I replied, 'Fair play in what way? You're the ones taking the towels, and I'm the one being unfair when all I'm doing is handing out towels?' I'm surprised, I don't understand," Diouf told RMC Sports, bursting into laughter as he recalled the incident.
The situation escalated when Moroccan players Achraf Hakimi and Ismail Saibari became involved, with Hakimi reportedly throwing one towel into the stands. Video footage circulated on social media showed ballboys physically wrestling with Diouf in attempts to retrieve the goalkeeping towels.
Match Continuation Amidst Chaos
Perhaps the most surreal aspect, according to Diouf, was that the match continued while this unusual battle unfolded. "I actually went onto the pitch of my own accord, thinking the referee would stop the match or realise what was going on. But no, next thing I know, I'm on the ground in the box, and the ball is 20-25 meters away," he explained.
"On one hand, I wasn't protected, and on the other, the match was still going on. It was completely surreal," Diouf added, highlighting the strange juxtaposition of a high-stakes continental final continuing while this unusual sideline drama played out.
Aftermath and Reactions
Following the controversial final, Moroccan midfielder Ismail Saibari demonstrated sportsmanship by personally visiting the Senegalese camp to apologize to Édouard Mendy for his involvement in the towel incident. This gesture earned praise for showing self-awareness about one of the match's less dignified moments.
However, Achraf Hakimi's post-match statement focused solely on Morocco's devastating loss without acknowledging the towel controversy. Meanwhile, Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had experienced similar treatment during the semi-final, aimed a pointed remark at Moroccan supporters, suggesting they use stolen towels to wipe their tears after their final defeat.
Broader Context of the Controversial Final
The towel incident represented just one of several controversial moments during the AFCON 2025 final. The match also featured a disallowed goal by Ismaila Sarr, a contentious penalty awarded to Morocco, and a temporary walkout by Senegalese players that required intervention from captain Sadio Mané.
These incidents have sparked broader conversations about sportsmanship, fair play, and tournament organization in African football. The unusual focus on goalkeeping towels has highlighted how seemingly minor elements can become central to major sporting narratives, especially in high-pressure championship matches where every advantage is sought.
