Captain Achraf Hakimi has delivered a powerful and emotional message to Moroccan supporters in the aftermath of the Atlas Lions’ painful defeat to Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that the setback must serve as a foundation rather than an endpoint.
Morocco fell 1–0 after extra time in Sunday’s final in Rabat, with Pape Gueye’s strike denying the hosts a long-awaited second continental title and extending their wait to 50 years. The loss triggered widespread disappointment across the country, particularly after Ibrahim Diaz missed a decisive penalty in regulation time.
Hakimi, one of Morocco’s standout performers throughout the tournament, waited nearly two days before addressing the nation, using his social media platform to reflect on the defeat and to thank those who stood behind the team during the competition.
Gratitude to the King and the supporters
In his message, the Paris Saint-Germain defender began by acknowledging the broader effort behind the tournament’s organisation, paying tribute to the role of the King in staging what many have described as a landmark edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“After very difficult days, during which I tried to process everything that happened, I felt the need to speak from my heart,” Hakimi wrote. “I would like first to thank His Majesty the King for the tremendous work that was done to make this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, without doubt, the best in history, hosted in our country.”
He reserved special praise for the Moroccan public, crediting their presence and passion as a decisive factor in the team’s run to the final. Hakimi described the fans as the “12th player”, underlining how their support was felt both inside Morocco and across the world as the Atlas Lions pushed deep into the tournament.
Backing Regragui and belief in the future
Hakimi also made a point of acknowledging head coach Walid Regragui, his technical staff and his teammates, highlighting the collective sacrifice and commitment shown throughout the competition. Despite the disappointment of the final, the right-back stressed that the squad has grown in strength and maturity.
He concluded his message with a note of defiance and optimism, insisting that Morocco’s journey is far from complete and that the lessons of AFCON 2025 will shape what comes next.
“The road does not stop here,” Hakimi wrote. “What we experienced is a solid foundation for the future… The future looks promising. Morocco will continue to move forward with its head held high.”
