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Former Senegal striker Mamadou Niang has accused Morocco of crossing the line during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after controversial scenes involving opposition goalkeepers in both the semi-final and final, footynaija.com reports.
The issue first came to wider attention during Morocco’s last-four meeting with Nigeria, when Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was repeatedly left without a towel in damp conditions. Each time, he was forced to return to the bench to collect a replacement after the one he had was taken from him.
Nwabali vs. Morocco fans….
— PALASTƳ➰ (@Palasty_) January 16, 2026
>> A Moroccan steward and security guard was captured taking Nwabali towel from behind the goal post several times.
This is really unprofessional and must be addressed. pic.twitter.com/NUpPnvtF6E
Similar scenes were then seen in the final against Senegal. Television footage showed Moroccan players repeatedly snatching towels meant to help Édouard Mendy keep his gloves dry in light rain, sometimes throwing them into the crowd. The pattern led to accusations that the behaviour was deliberate and planned.
Speaking on Canal+, Niang did not hide his frustration and placed responsibility not only on the players but also on the organisers and stewards.
He said: “We saw what happened against Nigeria where the Nigeria goalkeeper (Nwabali) repeatedly had to get a towel to dry his gloves and face. And then it happened again several times.
“They stole Édouard’s towel, I think five or six times. Édouard had to ask for towels because it started raining in extra time; that affected his vision, and his gloves were very wet.
“The Morocco players shouldn’t prevent another Senegalese player from giving the towel to his goalkeeper.
“There are a lot of things that happened that are not normal, and it’s the organisers who are responsible for the stewards.”
The Senegalese player didn’t allow the ball boys & officials to take Mendy’s 3rd towel like Nwabali.
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) January 18, 2026
They matched their madness 🔥#AFCON2025WithPooja pic.twitter.com/Lew9oMRazf
Morocco had reached the final after a dramatic semi-final against Nigeria, winning 4-2 on penalties despite Nwabali saving Hamza Igamane’s spot kick.
However, the tournament’s closing stages have now been overshadowed by questions about sportsmanship and match-day control rather than just the football.
