Achraf Hakimi, captain of Morocco’s Olympic football team, shared his elation after his squad secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Following a setback against Ukraine with a 2-1 loss, the Olympic Atlas Lions faced a must-win situation against Iraq.
Rising to the occasion, the team, spearheaded by their prolific striker Soufiane Rahimi, delivered a commanding performance, triumphing 3-0.
This victory not only ensured their advancement to the quarter-finals but also secured the top position in Group B, setting up a clash with the United States on Friday.
Achraf Hakimi was notably instrumental in the victory, providing the decisive assist for Amir Richardson’s opening goal and earning the man of the match accolade.
Speaking to Arryadia TV post-match, Hakimi conveyed his pride and satisfaction. “Today is a very important day for us, we made history.
We knew it was going to be a difficult match after the defeat in the second match. We were very motivated, we showed it from the first minute.
I am very proud of the whole team. Now we are going to the quarter-finals,” he said.
Reflecting on the emotional significance of the match, Hakimi emphasized the team’s determination and unity.
“It was a very emotional match. As I said, we were very motivated and we knew it was a very important match for us.
We started well, we are very happy,” he added.
Hakimi also took a moment to dedicate the victory to King Mohamed VI, who was celebrating the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
“It is also a small gift for our king who is celebrating his 25th anniversary of accession to the throne today.
We are very proud of him and we thank him for all the work he does for Moroccan football and I hope he is proud of us too.”
The captain’s remarks encapsulate the spirit and resilience of the Moroccan team, highlighting their journey through the group stages and their readiness to face upcoming challenges.
With the quarter-final match against the United States looming, Hakimi and his teammates are poised to continue their quest for Olympic glory, driven by a blend of national pride and sporting ambition.
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Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football
Équipe du Maroc Paris 2024 pic.twitter.com/UujwuqGfQf— Arryadia TV (@arryadiatv) July 30, 2024
