Kinito, kicked the keeper’s towel away
On Sunday, February 2, 2026, in the CAF Champions League clash between Petro Luanda and Stade Malien, something strange that dominated headlines in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) popped up again and it came just before a missed penalty.
Late in the second half, Petro Luanda were awarded a penalty. As the Stade Malién goalkeeper stood ready, the Petro captain, Kinito, kicked the keeper’s towel away from its place near the goal just before the kick was taken, a moment instantly recognised by fans who have spent weeks talking about the so called “towel controversy.”
Despite the theatrics, Benny’s penalty smashed off the crossbar and Petro Luanda squandered the chance, with the match finishing 0-0.
That bizarre moment throws us back to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals, where towels became one of the most talked-about parts of the game.
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At that tournament in Morocco, Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali repeatedly had their towels grabbed or thrown into the crowd by ball boys, officials and even opposing players, sparking confusion and accusations that the strange behaviour was meant to influence the match or even tap into superstitions.
CAF refereeing chiefs have since clarified that towels are not part of official equipment and should be kept off the field to avoid interference, a stance aimed at preventing future incidents.
FKA/MA
Meanwhile, watch as the Ghana Hydro Authority speaks on warning systems and managing floods in the country:
