Morocco National Team Captain Refused Africa Cup Trophy After Mother's Advice
Achraf Hakimi stated that Senegal fairly defeated Morocco in the tournament final and deserved the victory.
Achraf Hakimi during that same final. Photo: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Morocco national football team captain Achraf Hakimi announced that he is refusing the trophy awarded to the team based on the results of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His words are quoted by GhanaSoccernet.
On March 17, two months after the tournament final, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that the Senegal national team was handed a technical defeat in the Africa Cup final with a score of 0:3, and the Morocco team was declared the winner of the tournament. The confederation's appeal board concluded that the Senegalese violated two articles of the tournament regulations, which stipulate a technical defeat as punishment for refusing to continue the game without the referee's permission.
“My mother told me to refuse the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. I officially refuse the trophy and hope my teammates do the same. We had a chance to win, but we missed it,” Hakimi said.
According to the PSG star, Senegal fairly defeated the Moroccan national team. “I officially refuse the trophy. I did not win the Africa Cup of Nations. Congratulations to Senegal once again,” the footballer said.
The Africa Cup of Nations football tournament took place in Morocco. In the final on January 18, Morocco and Senegal played. At the end of the second half, with the score at 0:0, a penalty was awarded against Senegal. The Senegalese considered this unfair, and the coach led the team off the field.
After a few minutes, the players returned, but Moroccan Brahim Diaz failed to convert the penalty. Regular time ended 0:0, and in extra time, Senegal scored the winning goal and thus became the Africa Cup winner. However, two months later, the African Football Federation revised the final result and awarded the victory to Morocco.
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