Achraf Hakimi criticizes a portion of the Moroccan public

The atmosphere was electric this Sunday in front of the media. While Morocco has an honorable record in this CAN 2025 - a win against the Comoros and a draw against Mali - the Rabat public did not hesitate to express its discontent with the content of the matches. An attitude that does not sit well with the captain. Achraf Hakimi, who will make his big return as a starter this Monday after an ankle injury, wanted to remind the fans of their duty of support. While accepting the legitimate demands of the Moroccan people, he deemed it "abnormal" that the team was whistled at home, hammering that the supporters must assume their role as the "12th man" to push the team and not weaken it.

To support his argument and call for patience, the Moroccan star did not hesitate to draw on his recent experience with his club, drawing a comparison that will make history. He recalled that at Paris Saint-Germain, the team, the coach and the style of play were under fire before eventually lifting the Champions League. A way for him to indicate that the laborious beginnings do not presage the end of the story and that Morocco, currently leader of its group with four points, has all the cards in hand to be crowned African champion, provided that unity is preserved.

This outburst from the captain comes at a pivotal moment. This Monday against Zambia, the Atlas Lions are not only playing to validate their first place before the round of 16, but also to reconcile with their public. Hakimi’s return to the field is awaited as the technical and mental catalyst that the national team was missing to transform the whistles into ovations and relaunch the machine towards the dream of a second continental title.