A viral video circulating online has captured the moment Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari personally visited the Senegalese national team’s hotel to apologize to goalkeeper Edouard Mendy following the controversial “towel gate” incident during the AFCON final.
In the widely shared clip, Saibari is seen greeting members of the Senegal camp before holding a private conversation with Mendy, where he expressed regret over his actions during the heated final. The incident, which involved Saibari allegedly interfering with Mendy’s towel during a crucial moment of the match, sparked intense debate on social media and drew criticism from fans who described the act as unsportsmanlike.
Sources close to both teams say the apology was well received, with Mendy accepting Saibari’s gesture in the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect.
The moment has since been praised by many football fans as an example of maturity and accountability, especially on a stage as emotionally charged as the Africa Cup of Nations final.
