Tag: Morocco

Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi has insisted the national team will continue to move forward with its head held high despite losing the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on home soil.

In the final played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, the Atlas Lions were kept waiting to lay their hands on the coveted title. It was Senegal, who were crowned champions of Africa for the second time in their history after edging out the Atlas Lions 1-0.

The final of the 35^th  edition of the AFCON went to the penalties after the two nations drew 0-0 in regular and extra time. The decisive moment arrived just three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the area.

Gueye’s effort was very strong, denying standout goalkeeper Yassine Bounou a chance to make a save. Morocco had come close to settling the contest at the end of regulation time.

Awarded a late penalty following a VAR review, the hosts were denied when Edouard Mendy stopped playmaker Brahim Diaz’s Panenka attempt forcing the final beyond the 90 minutes.

Substitute Pape Cherif Ndiaye almost doubled the Lion of Teranga’s lead in the closing stages but Bounou made a superb save. Ndiaye’s effort to score from a rebound was also stopped by the keeper.

Taking to his social media pages, Hakimi, who captained the side that qualified for the final after defeating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties, insisted by losing in the final, it was not the end of the national team adding the future was looking promising.

“After a very difficult few days, trying to absorb everything that has been going on, I needed to express myself from the heart,” wrote Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain.

“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.”

The right-back, who was named the 2025 African Player of the Year, continued: “The road doesn’t stop here. What we have experienced is a solid foundation for the future.

“With this mind-set, 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.”

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Hakimi hailed the support the national team had received from the Moroccan Majesty, referred primarily to King Mohammed VI, and his immense work done to make the 2025 AFCON edition a success.

“I would like to first thank His Majesty, for the immense work done to make this Africa Cup of Nations, undoubtedly, the best in history, organized in our country,” added Hakimi.

“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.”

In his message to the fans, he said: “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 legs were heavy and hearts were aching.

“We felt your support in Morocco and every corner of the world.”

Hakimi had a message to coach Walid Regragui. He said: “I want to thank Walid (Regragui) and all his staff, but especially my teammates. For the work, commitment and enormous sacrifice we have made together during this AFCON.”

Morocco, who participated in the AFCON much later than other North African states, made their debut in 1972,and became the second North African side to win the AFCON in 1976.

Morocco will pursue legal action over the outcome of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, where opponents Senegal walked off the field to protest a penalty awarded against them but later returned to win the match.

Morocco were beaten 1-0 after extra time by Senegal in the decider in Rabat, but the hosts had a chance to win the trophy with a last-gasp penalty at the end of regulation time.

Senegalese players stormed off in protest after a VAR decision to hand Morocco a spot kick for a tug on the shoulder of striker Brahim Diaz, who then squandered the kick after having to wait some 14 minutes before the Senegal side returned.

“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to rule on the walk-off of the Senegalese national team from the field during the final against the Moroccan national team, as well as on the events surrounding this decision, following the referee’s awarding of a penalty that was deemed correct by all experts,” a statement said.

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“This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance,” it added.

It is unclear what Morocco wants to achieve with their complaint other than being seen to formally remonstrate over the outcome of the match.

Yesterday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF condemned the behaviour of Senegal players and members of the coaching staff after the chaotic scenes, saying violence and walk-offs had no place in football.

“We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands – we strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members,” Infantino said.

“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner and, equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

CAF said it was reviewing footage and that disciplinary proceedings will follow, adding that it “condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials”.

Shina Phillips, President of Nigeria Pitch Awards, has predicted a tightly contested semi-final fixture between Nigeria and Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Rabat. Both teams have performed strongly throughout the tournament, each winning their quarter-final matches 2-0 — Morocco against Cameroon and Nigeria against Algeria.

The semi-final match between  Super Eagles  and Atlas Lions at  the  Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday is set to be highly competitive with neither side likely to give ground easily.  But  Phillips believes the Super Eagles hold some advantage despite Morocco’s experienced squad having reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, a historic feat for an African team.

“ This is a high stake  match  and I know both the Super Eagles and the Atlas Lions will be  at their best  for this encounter on Wednesday ,” Phillips told NationSport. “ Frankly, it is difficult to predict  the likely result  of the  match based on the strength  of what the two teams have done so far  in the competition  but  even at that, I think  Nigeria have all the aces.” 

According to Phillips,  Nigeria has the motivation factor, aiming to prove their quality after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He emphasized that this AFCON is a platform for Nigeria to demonstrate what the world will be missing in the coming World Cup. 

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“ Without any  doubt ,  both teams have something  to proof  and I think  the Super Eagles will be motivated  for obvious reasons,” he continued.“ How  do you explain that  such a talented Nigerian team won’t be  at the next World Cup  as such this AFCON  is an opportunity to show  what the  world  will be missing in June.” 

Incidentally, both coaches, Eric Sekou Chelle (Nigeria) and Walid Regragui (Morocco), have shown tactical intelligence throughout the tournament, making the semi-final more than just a game of football but a strategic duel. 

Phillips has equally  praised Coach Chelle for improving Nigeria’s tactical discipline, confidence, and attacking commitment. 

Nigeria’s recent 2-0 victory over Algeria to enter the semifinals was hailed as an important morale booster for Nigerians, especially after missing out on the World Cup. 

Phillips expressed belief that winning the AFCON would go some way to compensating Nigerian fans for their World Cup absence.