Morocco’s Saibari apologises to Edouard Mendy after trying to ‘steal’ his towel

Moroccan winger, Ismaël Saibari has apologized to Senegalese goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy after trying to steal his towel during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.

Ismaël Saibari, pictured alongside ball boys and stewards on Sunday, January 18, 2026, was caught on tape for trying to steal Mendy’s towel while the game was going on at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The towel incident which also happened during Nigeria’s game against Morocco in the semi-finals was widely condemned on social media by fans who called on CAF to sanction the host country.

However, Saibari on Monday, January 19, 2026, went to the Senegalese team hotel to apologize to Edouard Mendy for his conduct during the game.

About the Game

Ismaila Sarr’s goal was disallowed after the referee ruled that there had been a foul on Achraf Hakimi prior to the cross that led to the goal.

In a dramatic turn of events, the host nation was awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of added time when Brahim Díaz was brought down in the box by a Senegalese defender.

Despite the controversy, Díaz missed the penalty, as his Panenka attempt was easily saved by Édouard Mendy, sending the game into extra time.

In the early stages of the first half of extra time, Pape Gueye struck a powerful shot into the top corner from the edge of the box to secure a 1–0 victory.