Achraf Hakimi regrets AFCON 2025 final towel incident

Achraf Hakimi has admitted he is “not proud” of Morocco’s conduct during the Africa Cup of Nations final, expressing regret over the controversial towel incident that marred the match.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender, who also captains the Moroccan national team, addressed the episode publicly, describing a sense of embarrassment over the image it created.

His comments come as uncertainty continues to surround the outcome of the final, with Senegal’s appeal still under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Hakimi reflected on the atmosphere during the match, pointing to the intensity that defined the occasion.

“Those were difficult moments, the tension was palpable in the stadium ,” Hakimi told the Spanish channel Movistar, regarding the Africa Cup of Nations final.

The defender acknowledged that emotions ran high but conceded that certain actions fell short of expectations.

“I’m not proud of the image we projected because of the towel incident. Nevertheless, the team played a good match. We showed respect for our opponent and for the competition.”

The incident in question involved an attempt to take a towel belonging to Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy during the final.

Among those linked to the episode was PSV Eindhoven player Ismaël Saibari, who later issued an apology following the controversy.

The match itself was marked by dramatic developments.

Morocco initially lost the final 1-0, but the result was later overturned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which awarded victory to Morocco after Senegal left the pitch before the conclusion of the game.

That decision has since been challenged, with Senegal lodging an appeal that is now being examined by the CAS.

The outcome of the case remains pending, leaving the final result subject to further review.

Hakimi addressed the ongoing situation, indicating that Morocco are closely monitoring developments while preparing for potential outcomes.

“We are currently considering the necessary steps and hope that a decision will be made in the best interests of African football. We hope to win the title because we deserve it, and we can’t just walk off the pitch.”

His remarks underline both the uncertainty surrounding the case and Morocco’s stance as the process continues.

The defender expressed confidence in his team’s performance during the match, while also emphasising the importance of fair resolution.

The controversy surrounding the final has drawn attention not only to the result but also to the conduct of those involved.

Hakimi’s comments suggest a recognition of the broader implications, particularly in terms of how such incidents are perceived.

While he defended his team’s overall performance, he also made clear that the events involving the towel were not something he views positively.

His acknowledgement reflects an effort to address the criticism that followed the incident.

The case continues to evolve, with CAF’s decision and Senegal’s appeal forming the central issues under consideration.

For now, the final outcome remains unresolved, pending the ruling from the CAS.

Hakimi’s position highlights the balance between defending his team’s efforts and recognising the need for accountability.

His remarks indicate a desire for the matter to be settled in a way that upholds the integrity of the competition.

As the situation develops, the focus remains on both the legal process and the broader impact on African football.

The resolution of the case will determine not only the official outcome of the final but also how the events surrounding it are ultimately judged.

For Hakimi and his teammates, the episode represents a complex moment—one that combines sporting achievement, controversy and ongoing legal uncertainty.

His comments suggest that, while the team stands by its performance, there is also an awareness of the need to reflect on how the match unfolded beyond the result.