Ismael Saibari apologises to Édouard Mendy after Morocco 0-1 Senegal AFCON final towel incident | OneFootball

Ismael Saibari has apologised to Édouard Mendy following the Africa Cup of Nations final, according to L'Équipe.

The final between Morocco and Senegal finished 0-1 after extra time. One of its most surreal moments centred on Mendy's towel.

As in the semi-final against Nigeria, Morocco sought to stop the keeper drying his gloves. Achraf Hakimi and ball boys tried to retrieve the towel from goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf, and Saibari also became involved.

After being substituted, the PSV Eindhoven midfielder left the bench in the closing minutes of extra time. He stood between Mendy and Diouf to intimidate the latter and block the passing of the towel. It made no difference, Senegal went on to win the title.

The episode reflected poorly on Morocco's image. On Monday Saibari went to Senegal's hotel, where video showed him and Mendy shaking hands, with no audio of their exchange.

Source: L'Équipe