AFCON 2025: Why Ismael Saibari went to Édouard Mendy’s hotel after towel controversy

Ismael Saibari moved swiftly to defuse one of the most talked-about side stories of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, offering a personal apology to Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy after scenes involving the keeper’s towel drew widespread attention.

Despite the emotional weight of Morocco’s defeat in the final, the PSV Eindhoven midfielder chose reconciliation, underlining a gesture of sportsmanship that helped calm tensions following a chaotic evening.

A private gesture away from the spotlight

In the hours after the final, Saibari travelled to the Senegal team’s hotel in Morocco before their return to Dakar. There, he met Mendy face to face and issued a formal apology related to the post-match towel incident.

Footage shared by Senegalese media showed the two players exchanging a handshake and holding a long, cordial conversation, signalling a clear effort to close the chapter on an episode that had overshadowed the football itself.

𝗖̧𝗔 𝗖’𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗨 ! 🇸🇳 🤝 🇲🇦

Ismaël Saibari est venu en personne à l’hôtel des Sénégalais 𝗣𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦’𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗥 auprès d’Edouard Mendy pour son comportement personnel à chaud autour de la serviette du portier sénégalais. 👏

📹 @pape13003 pic.twitter.com/xauWhqAE44

— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) January 19, 2026

How a minor detail became a major distraction

The final was punctuated by a series of unusual moments centred on Mendy’s towel. Ball boys were repeatedly seen pulling it away during play, while confusion escalated when towels were thrown toward the stands. The scenes baffled viewers and players alike, turning a routine matchday detail into an unexpected flashpoint.

Several Moroccan players were caught up in the confusion. Achraf Hakimi was seen being stopped by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, while Saibari appeared in images interacting with one of the towels. As the incidents continued, Senegal substitute goalkeeper Yevhann Diouf stationed himself behind Mendy’s goal to safeguard the towel and return it whenever required.

Surreal scenes and growing frustration

Tensions peaked when Diouf was dragged to the ground by ball boys while trying to recover the towel, creating scenes described by many as surreal. In another striking moment, Saibari was filmed standing in Diouf’s path as he attempted to reach Mendy, further fuelling debate over intent and responsibility.

Players call for perspective

Reflecting on the incident, Yevhann Diouf downplayed its significance, stressing that the towels were simply used to dry gloves and faces. He admitted surprise at the attempts to seize them, noting that in earlier matches organisers had handled such items routinely. His closing remarks highlighted a shared sentiment: whatever the reasons, the episode did not reflect the true spirit of the game.

Saibari’s apology, however, ensured the story ended with accountability rather than bitterness, restoring focus to football and respect between rivals.