The message got through. On the eve of Morocco’s decisive match against Zambia (Monday, 8 p.m.), Achraf Hakimi appeared at a press conference with his coach Walid Regragui this Sunday. Asked about the support of the Moroccan public, the Parisian full-back was not kind to the supporters, who he blamed for whistles during the first two matches.
“Supporters and journalists are very demanding. I know that Morocco is a great nation that demands to win all the time. But there are opponents and this CAN is not going to be easy. We need everyone, we need our 12th man. I didn’t like what happened at halftime in the first two games. We play at home, we need the support of all the supporters. It’s not normal for supporters to whistle sometimes,” he explained to journalists.
“Keep your head on your shoulders”
“At PSG, I remember that everyone said that we didn’t win matches, that we didn’t have a good team, not a great coach and in the end we were European champions,” he continued. We need our supporters to stay behind us like that, we can be African champions together. »
The captain of the selection then wanted to insist, indicating that he “need” the support of the fans to be able to win an African Cup of Nations which has eluded Morocco since 1976 “They say that we don’t care about the criticism, but that’s not true, it hurts,” said Achraf Hakimi. We know that the supporters want us to win all the time. Since the World Cup, it’s a new Morocco but we must not forget to keep our heads on our shoulders. A CAN at home helps us but it’s not easier. We need them behind us. »
Hakimi will finally play again
On a lighter tone, the 2025 European champion then rejoiced at having seen Kylian Mbappé appear in the stands of the Prince Moulay Abdallah stadium in Rabat for Morocco-Mali on Friday (1-1). “It’s a pleasure to see my friend in my country,” he assured. Mbappé really likes Morocco, he comes here often. He enjoys the country, the food. I’m very happy that he came to watch the match. He liked our team, he said we had improved and that we could win this CAN. »
Although he did not come into play during the first two matches, the defender is very close to making his return. Almost two months after his sprained ankle suffered with PSG in the Champions League, Achraf Hakimi will finally have a few minutes of play in this 2025 African Cup of Nations, as his coach Walid Regragui announced this Saturday.
“I feel good,” he assured. With the coach and the staff we made a program. I didn’t feel 100% in the last matches but I was available. I feel much better there. If I have to play I’m ready. Otherwise I will help as I do from the bench. Even if I don’t play, I want to win the CAN on January 18. »
