Achraf Hakimi has publicly admitted he is “not proud” of Morocco’s conduct during the Africa Cup of Nations final, addressing the controversial towel incident that overshadowed the match.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender, who captains the Moroccan national team, acknowledged that while emotions ran high, certain actions did not reflect well on the team.
“I’m not proud of the image we projected because of the towel incident,” Hakimi said, reflecting on the events that drew widespread criticism.
Tension and controversy define the final
The final of the Africa Cup of Nations was marked by intense drama both on and off the pitch.
Hakimi described the atmosphere as highly charged, noting:
“Those were difficult moments, the tension was palpable in the stadium.”
The incident involved an attempt to take a towel belonging to Edouard Mendy, with Ismaël Saibari among those linked to the episode. Saibari later issued an apology as the situation escalated.
Disputed result now under CAS review
The match result itself has become one of the most controversial in recent African football history.
Morocco initially lost the final 1-0 to Senegal, but the outcome was later overturned by Confederation of African Football, which awarded Morocco the title after Senegal’s players left the pitch before full-time.
That decision has since been challenged, with the case now under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The final ruling remains pending, leaving the official outcome unresolved.
Hakimi: “We deserve it”
Despite his regret over the incident, Hakimi maintained confidence in Morocco’s performance on the night.
“We showed respect for our opponent and for the competition,” he said, while also insisting the team believes it earned the right to win.
“We hope to win the title because we deserve it, and we can’t just walk off the pitch.”
His comments reflect Morocco’s firm stance as they await the CAS verdict.
Balancing accountability and ambition
Hakimi’s remarks highlight a delicate balance defending the team’s efforts while acknowledging mistakes that have impacted perceptions.
The controversy has extended beyond the result, raising broader questions about conduct, sportsmanship, and governance in African football.
By addressing the issue directly, Hakimi appears to be taking a step toward accountability while reinforcing Morocco’s competitive position in the dispute.
African football awaits final verdict
With the case still ongoing, attention now turns to the CAS ruling, which will ultimately determine the official winner of the tournament.
The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications not only for Morocco and Senegal, but for the credibility and integrity of continental competitions.
For Hakimi and his teammates, the episode remains unfinished business one defined by performance, controversy, and a verdict that could reshape the narrative of the final.
