Hakimi Rejects AFCON Title, Insists Senegal Deserved Win

Achraf Hakimi, the captain of Morocco's national football team, has publicly rejected the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title awarded to Morocco, insisting that Senegal rightfully won the championship. This statement follows a controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which declared Morocco the winner of the 2026 AFCON final by a 3-0 default after Senegal forfeited the match due to a chaotic scene that saw Senegalese players briefly walk off the pitch in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time.

Despite Morocco winning the match 1-0 after extra time, Hakimi emphasized that the outcome on the field should be respected, stating that Senegal deserved the victory. He acknowledged the CAF's authority but maintained his stance against accepting the trophy.

This rejection has sparked significant debate within the Moroccan football community and highlights a growing divide regarding the administrative decisions affecting the sport. The controversy surrounding the final is expected to continue impacting discussions about the upcoming 2026 AFCON.