Diouf Expelled, Hakimi Caught: Towel Controversy Mars CAN Final

In a controversial incident during the CAN final, tensions flared over an unexpected towel controversy involving players from Senegal and Morocco. The match featured Achraf Hakimi, who received a fair play award from the CAF despite being embroiled in a bizarre dispute over a towel belonging to Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.

The Towel Mishap

During the game, Hakimi was seen seizing Mendy’s towel and tossing it behind advertising boards. This towel had become highly coveted among fans, as it seemed to possess a symbolic value related to the match. Reports indicated that in prior games, individuals associated with stadium security had attempted to steal goalkeeper towels.

Escalation of Events

The situation escalated when Yehvann Diouf, Mendy’s substitute, positioned himself to defend the towel. As a downpour began, the ball boys were reportedly encouraged by the crowd to prevent Mendy from drying his hands and face. In a surprising turn, Diouf was pushed by the ball boys and even pinned down to the ground to keep him away from the towel.

Diouf’s Reaction

Diouf later expressed his bewilderment, remarking, “I don’t know why this happened. It was just towels.” He added that the towels were essential for drying off amid the rain and emphasized the camaraderie among the players regarding the incident.

Social Media Response

In a moment of poetic justice, Stanley Nwabali, a previous target of towel incidents, took to Instagram to tease those involved. He stated, “Use all my towels to wipe your tears,” highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

Conclusion

The towel controversy, while seemingly trivial, contributed to an uneasy atmosphere surrounding this prestigious match. Such incidents detracted from the spirit of international competition that a tournament final deserves, raising concerns over sportsmanship on a global stage.