AFCON 2023: Achraf Hakimi sends a heartfelt message to Moroccans

Paris Saint Germain and Morocco defender, Achraf Hakimi made the headlines for the wrong reason at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations which is being hosted in Cote D'Ivoire.

Hakimi took up the responsibility of putting Morocco back into the game from the penalty spot with less than five minutes to the end of the game but he hit the ball at the crossbar. South Africa later went on to extend their lead during the stoppage time of the match to see the Bafana Bafana book their spot in the quarter-finals.

The 25-year-old apologised to his teammates and Moroccans around the world.

He said,

“I want to apologise for the penalty, I took responsibility to help the team, but unfortunately it didn't work. And what can I say about you my brother, Amine Adli. After everything you went through (loss of your mother), you came and gave everything for your country, we are so proud of you! I love you very much, my brother. Dima Maghrib! And good luck to the South African national team for the rest of the competition."

Morocco were one of the teams that were tipped by most sports pundits and football lovers to go all the way in the competition, especially looking at how impressive they were at the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup.