CAF’s decision to award Morocco the AFCON Fair Play Award created fresh controversy across the continent. What should have marked a celebration of sportsmanship instead exposed contradictions that shaped both the final and the wider tournament. As a result, debate around AFCON’s credibility has intensified.
The AFCON final in Rabat already carried heavy tension. Senegal saw a late goal ruled out by VAR. Morocco received a highly debatable stoppage‑time penalty. Brahim Díaz then watched his Panenka saved by Edouard Mendy before extra time. Ultimately, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal and secured a deserved victory for Senegal. However, the drama did not end there.
Towel-Gate Footage Raises Serious Questions
Almost immediately after the final whistle, viral clips revealed ball boys removing Mendy’s towel to disrupt the Senegal goalkeeper. The same tactic appeared in Morocco’s semi‑final against Nigeria, where stewards interfered with Stanley Nwabali. Consequently, concerns about host‑nation advantages grew stronger.
Throughout the tournament, several issues added pressure. South Africa’s Hugo Broos criticised training‑ground allocations. Senegal complained about accommodation and logistics. Questionable refereeing decisions raised concerns during the group stage. During the final, Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf even guarded Mendy’s towel, while Achraf Hakimi threw it over the advertising boards. These incidents created a pattern that many fans found difficult to ignore.
Why the AFCON Fair Play Award Feels Misplaced
Given the level of controversy, CAF’s decision to reward Morocco with the Fair Play Award feels misplaced. Senegal maintained composure despite repeated disruptions. Meanwhile, Morocco faced uncomfortable questions that no trophy can hide. Moreover, the award created the impression that CAF overlooked the concerns raised throughout the competition.
For many supporters and analysts, the award now symbolizes a deeper credibility issue within AFCON. Consequently, CAF must address these concerns before future tournaments to restore trust and fairness.
