Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has opened up about the defeat to Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
On January 18, the Atlas Lions, playing on home soil, battled the Lions of Teranga, and the West Africans emerged victorious to take the trophy home.
And all of Morocco was left reeling after a missed opportunity to end the five-decade wait for the AFCON. The only time they won the tournament was in 1976 when Ethiopia played hosts, and instead of a knockout final, the top four teams played in a round-robin group to decide the champion.
Over the years, winning the AFCON has been easier said than done, but Hakimi is hopeful of success in the future.
“After a very difficult few days, trying to absorb everything that has been going on, I needed to express myself from the heart,” says Hakimi.
“I would like to first thank His Majesty for the immense work done to make this Africa Cup, undoubtedly, the best in history, organized in our country.
“Thank you for your vision, support, and constant love for football and Morocco. Thanks also to our President Lekjaa Fouzi for his total commitment to this selection and for believing in us every step of the way,” he continues.
“And how not to thank the Moroccan people? Thank you for being there for every game, every minute, every emotion. You’ve been our twelfth man, our strength when the legs were heavy and hearts were aching. We felt your support in Morocco and every corner of the world.
“I want to thank from the bottom of my heart (head coach) Walid Regragui and all his staff, but especially my teammates. For the work, commitment, and enormous sacrifice we have made together during this Africa Cup of Nations.
“It’s 35 days of living together, constant effort, discipline, and unity. A group that has shown the world that Morocco is not content to compete: Morocco inspires.
“Today, this Moroccan team has become a strong, respected, and admired team, like a country that moves forward with confidence and shows the world that it is one of the great nations of football.
“Every training session, every game, and every shared moment has embodied values of greatness: respect, self-giving, humility, and immense pride in representing a nation. We have carried Morocco’s name with honour and brought hope to millions of people, at home and across our borders,” states the Paris St. Germain star.
“The road doesn’t stop here. What we have experienced is a solid foundation for the future. With this mindset, union, and ambition, there’s no limit to what this selection can achieve. The future is built by what we plant today.
“The future looks promising. Morocco will continue to move forward with its head held high.”
The next AFCON will take place in East Africa in 2027. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will operate as joint hosts.A
