Achraf Hakimi has admitted regret over the towel incidents involving Morocco during the 2025 AFCON, describing the situation as disappointing.
The Morocco captain spoke after Paris Saint-Germain defeated Liverpool FC 2-0, saying: “These are tough times, and the game was very tense on the field.
“I don’t feel proud about the image we gave off with the towels. Even though that happened, the team did well in the competition.
“We showed respect for their opponent in the tournament.”
The controversy involved repeated attempts by Moroccan players, staff, and ball boys to take towels from opposing goalkeepers, including Stanley Nwabali and Édouard Mendy, during both the semifinal and final matches.
The actions, which happened under wet conditions, sparked confusion as they appeared to disrupt the goalkeepers’ grip.
Morocco went on to defeat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in the semifinal after missed spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.