Moroccan stewards, ball boys and even African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi were caught on camera repeatedly trying to snatch the towels of Stanley Nwabali and Edouard Mendy during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal and final, leaving  neutral fans bewildered.

Video highlights from the Africa Cup of Nations final showed Moroccan players, including Hakimi, and stadium staff repeatedly snatching towels meant to keep Mendy's gloves dry in the light rain and tossing them into the stands.

A similar scenario had unfolded during the Afcon semifinal against Nigeria, where Nwabali faced the same treatment. 

On multiple occasions, the Super Eagles goalkeeper had to return to his bench to collect fresh towels after the ones he had were taken from him.

Former West Ham United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop explained why the towels are far from ordinary, revealing how the right amount of moisture can make or break a goalkeeper's performance, and why tampering with them can feel like a tactical advantage.