The towel incident, which emerged during the Africa Cup of Nations final, continues to fuel banter well beyond the pitch. Ever since Senegal's triumph, the scene has become a popular symbol, widely shared and parodied on social networks, to the point of becoming one of the most talked-about moments of this AFCON.

Senegal beat Morocco in a controversial final after Senegal's players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest at a Morocco penalty

Pape Gueye scored in extra time for the Teranga Lions to beat host Morocco 1-0 in a chaotic final on Sunday which at one point saw fans trying to storm the field and Senegal’s players walking off the pitch to protest a penalty decision deep into second-half stoppage time.

Morocco have achieved their highest FIFA men's world ranking, rising to eighth, despite losing the Africa Cup of Nations final to Senegal, who climbed to 12th on Monday.

Moroccan authorities have firmly denied the rumors that flooded social media following the CAN 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal. In response to reports suggesting the alleged death of a stadium steward during incidents in the stands, the General Directorate of National Security has broken its silence to set the record straight.

The decision to leave the field during the African Cup of Nations final after a penalty was awarded to Morocco could cause problems for the now two-time African champion Senegal. Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, condemned the action led by coach Pape Thiaw.

The triumphant Senegal team received a heroes welcome during its parade in the capital Dakar on Tuesday following their victory in a tense Africa Cup of Nations final that saw the players briefly walk off the pitch to protest a penalty decision deep into second-half stoppage time.