Achraf Hakimi’s emotional triumph at the Parc
Moroccan Olympic team captain Achraf Hakimi expressed his immense emotion following his team’s emphatic 4-0 victory over the United States, which secured Morocco’s historic qualification for the semi-finals of the Olympic football competition.
This monumental win came just three days after Morocco’s quarter-final qualification at the expense of Iraq, whom they defeated 3-0 during the third and final group stage match of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Morocco’s dominant performance against the United States ensured their unprecedented progression to the semi-finals.
Already named man of the match in the game against Iraq, the valiant captain Hakimi once again led his team to victory, scoring with a solo effort in the 70th minute.
That day, the Parc des Princes, usually adorned in the red and blue of Paris Saint-Germain, was transformed into a sea of Moroccan red and green.
Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, the PSG full-back acknowledged the unwavering support of the fans.
“It’s nice to play in a packed stadium. In all the stadiums where we’ve played, the supporters have been with us.
We thank all the Moroccans, and we should continue like that,” Hakimi said to Arryadia.
Hakimi also analyzed the group’s outstanding performance, noting their strong start and sustained intensity.
“We managed well. We started very well with good intensity. We put in the same as in the previous match against Iraq.
That’s what led to the first goal, and it gave us more serenity for the rest, and then came the second and third goals,” he explained.
Hakimi, who was a semi-finalist with Morocco’s senior team in the World Cup nearly two years ago, now has the opportunity to taste another major last four under Morocco’s banner.
Reflecting on this achievement, he expressed his pride and modesty. “(Laughs). Yes, it’s not bad,” he said before sharing his ambition to win gold.
“We are here to help all of Moroccan football. It’s a pleasure, I’m so happy to make history with my country.
We must continue and I hope we will take the medal Inch’Allah.”
The Olympic Atlas Lions will face Spain, Hakimi’s native country, in the semi-finals. The match is set to evoke strong emotions and promises to be a thrilling contest.
As Morocco prepares to face Spain in the semi-finals, the team carries the hopes of a nation eager to see them achieve Olympic glory.
Hakimi’s leadership and the team’s stellar performances have brought them to the cusp of making history.
The journey has been marked by determination, skill, and an unwavering belief in their potential.
The semi-final match will not only be a test of their abilities but also a testament to the progress Moroccan football has made on the international stage.
With Hakimi at the helm, the Atlas Lions are poised to continue their remarkable run and aim for the ultimate prize.
Moroccan fans, both in the stadium and around the world, will be cheering fervently, hoping to witness their team reach new heights and bring home the coveted Olympic medal.
🎙️ | أشرف حكيمي عميد المنتخب الوطني الأولمبي “شيئ رائع أن تلعب أمام مدرجات ممتلئة بهذا الشكل، أشكر كثيرا الجماهير المغربية على دعمها الكبير للفريق الوطني”#كرة_القدم#دور_ربع_النهائي#باريس#فرنسا#الألعاب_الأولمبية_باريس2024#Paris2024 #football #FRMF #JO2024
Fédération Royale… pic.twitter.com/yaTTU5tdS8— Arryadia TV (@arryadiatv) August 2, 2024
