Moroccan footballer Ismael Saibari apologises to Mendy over AFCON final towel incident

Morocco midfielder Ismaël Saibari has personally apologised to Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy over the controversial “towel incident” that overshadowed the Africa Cup of Nations final.

The PSV Eindhoven midfielder reportedly visited the Senegal team’s hotel a day after the final to express regret for his role in the bizarre scenes that unfolded during Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory over host nation Morocco.

Sources close to the Senegal camp said Saibari acknowledged that emotions got the better of him and took responsibility for his actions, offering a face-to-face apology to Mendy.

The incident occurred during a tense and fiercely contested final that eventually crowned the Teranga Lions African champions. While the football itself was closely fought, attention repeatedly shifted to disruptions involving Mendy’s towel, an item the goalkeeper routinely uses during matches.

Throughout the game, ball boys were filmed repeatedly taking the towel without permission, creating confusion and delays.

What began as a strange distraction escalated further when Moroccan players appeared to get involved.

Viral footage showed Saibari throwing the towel into the stands, while teammate Achraf Hakimi was also seen near the unfolding commotion, further inflaming tensions on the pitch.

As the situation persisted, Senegal resorted to unusual counter-measures. Substitute goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf was stationed directly behind Mendy, tasked solely with guarding the towel and returning it whenever it was taken.

In one of the most baffling moments, a ball boy tackled Diouf to the ground and chased him in an apparent attempt to reclaim the towel, drawing widespread disbelief from fans and pundits.

Saibari later stood directly in front of Diouf, deliberately blocking him from handing the towel back to Mendy, further escalating the controversy.

Despite the repeated disruptions, Senegal maintained their composure and went on to secure the title in extra time, sealing one of the most memorable AFCON triumphs in their history.