Former Senegal international, Mamadou Niang, has criticised the Confederation of African Football, CAF, over what he described as unsporting conduct by Moroccan players and fans during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations matches against Nigeria and Senegal. He said such actions undermine fair play and should not be tolerated at a major continental tournament.

Niang reacted after videos from the AFCON final showed Moroccan players repeatedly taking towels meant for Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy during light rainfall. The towels, used to dry his face and gloves, were allegedly seized and thrown into the stands several times, forcing the goalkeeper to look for replacements during crucial moments of the match.

According to Niang, the same tactic was earlier used against Nigeria in the semi-final, where Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was also deprived of his towels. On several occasions, Nwabali reportedly had to walk back to the bench to get new towels after the originals were taken away, raising concerns about deliberate distraction.

Speaking as a pundit on Canal+, Niang blamed tournament organisers for allowing such incidents to happen. He stressed that match officials and CAF must take responsibility for ensuring fair play, adding that players should not be prevented from assisting their goalkeepers. Morocco eventually reached the AFCON final after defeating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties, despite Nwabali saving one spot kick.