AFCON Final: Hakimi admits disappointment over Morocco conduct

Achraf Hakimi has expressed disappointment over Morocco’s conduct during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal.

Speaking to Movistar after Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-0 win over Liverpool in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, the Moroccan captain addressed the tense scenes that marred the final, including the widely discussed towel incident involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

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“It was a difficult and tense moment on the pitch. I’m not proud of the image we presented because of the towel incident. However, the team showed a good competitive spirit. We respected the opponent and the tournament,” Hakimi said.

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The defender also backed the Confederation of African Football’s decision while criticising the conduct of the Senegalese side, noting that the situation remains under review.

“The next steps are currently being assessed, and we hope that the decision that serves the best interests of African football will be made,” he added.

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Hakimi further insisted Morocco deserved the title, saying, “We hope to win the title because we deserve it and because we cannot leave the field in that manner.”

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The fallout from the AFCON final remains unresolved, with Senegal appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after CAF awarded the title to Morocco.

Reflecting on the incident, Hakimi reiterated his regret: “They were difficult moments, charged with tension inside the stadium.”