The towels of Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy were continually sought to be seized by Moroccan stewards during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal and final, leaving fans bewildered.
Indeed, both ball boys and even the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Achraf Hakimi, were repeatedly seen in video footage from the tournament engrossed in the act during both AFCON games against Nigeria and Senegal.
The towels were meant to keep the gloves of both goalkeepers dry in the light rain but Morocco players and officials were seen snatching and tossing them into the stands.
As a result, on multiple occasions during the game, the Nigerian goalkeeper Nwabali had to return to his bench to collect fresh towels after the ones he had were taken from him.
Now, a former West Ham goalkeeper has explained why snatching the towels are far from ordinary, revealing how the right amount of moisture can make or break a goalkeeper’s performance.
Ex-West Ham GK Says Morocco Snatching Gloves Looks Like A Tactical Play
Former West Ham United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has explained why taking away the towels during the AFCON game are far from ordinary and most likely a tactic by the Morocco team.
According to him, the right amount of moisture can make or break a goalkeeper’s performance, and that’s why tampering with them feels like a tactical plan.
Speaking during an appearance on ESPN FC, Hislop said:
“So, whether it’s dry conditions and you put a lot of water on it and wring it until it’s just right, or as in the Afcon final it’s raining and you have to keep them dry so they function well.”
“I liken it to a player’s boots. You wouldn’t mess with that depending on the weather, and for a goalkeeper, you’re messing with how their gloves function. I keep giggling because it’s so farcical,” he added.
Despite facing those unusual acts during their games against Morocco, both Stanley Nwabali and Édouard Mendy managed to keep clean sheets throughout regulation and extra time.
