Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has admitted regret over the controversial towel incidents that marred the closing stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following separate episodes involving Stanley Nwabali and Édouard Mendy.

Moroccan stewards, ball boys and even players, including Hakimi, were caught on camera repeatedly attempting to snatch towels from opposition goalkeepers during both the semifinal and final. 

The scenes left neutral observers bewildered as the actions appeared aimed at disrupting the goalkeepers' ability to maintain grip in wet conditions.

During the final, video footage showed Moroccan players and stadium staff removing towels intended to keep Mendy's gloves dry amid light rain.

A similar pattern had already emerged in the Atlas Lions' semifinal clash against the Super Eagles, where Nwabali was subjected to the same treatment.

Speaking on the Movistar channel after Paris Saint-Germain's 2-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League, Hakimi said: "These are difficult times, tense on the field. I'm not proud of the image we projected with the towels. 

"Despite that, the team's performance in the competition was good . We respected our opponent, the tournament."

Morocco defeated Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in the Afcon semifinal, with Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missing their spot-kicks.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel