AFCON 2025 final: Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi expresses regret over towel incident

Achraf Hakimi has expressed regret over his involvement in the controversial Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

The fallout from the AFCON final continues, with Senegal having lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport following the decision by the Confederation of African Football to award the title to Morocco.

Speaking to Movistar after PSG’s 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the quarter-final first leg, Hakimi addressed the tense scenes that unfolded during the final, including the widely discussed towel incident involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

“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.”

The Moroccan captain also voiced his backing for CAF’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: “We hope to win the title because we deserve it, and because we cannot leave the field in that manner.”

Despite celebrating victory in Paris, Hakimi admitted there was a sense of frustration over the narrow scoreline, given PSG’s dominance on the night.

“After the clear chances we created, you feel a bit frustrated at not achieving a bigger margin, but we are happy with the team’s performance as a whole.”

The former Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund defender also reiterated PSG’s ambition to go all the way in the competition, insisting the team should not be underestimated.

“As I said before, this team should not be doubted. We are the current champions, and we have proven that time and again. When they consider us finished, we are at our best. We are aware of the stage we are in at this point in the season, and we hope to continue at this pace and go as far as possible.”

However, Hakimi was quick to caution against complacency ahead of the return leg, highlighting the challenge that awaits in England.

“Football changes very quickly. Anfield is a very difficult stadium. We must be fully focused and not take qualification for granted. We have to go for the win as we always do and settle the tie.”

With tensions from the AFCON final still unresolved and a decisive European clash on the horizon, Hakimi finds himself at the centre of both club and international football storylines.