Although he was inconsolable when the final whistle sounded, Achraf Hakimi has still not assuaged his sorrow.
The right side of Morocco, eliminated from the CAN on Tuesday evening against South Africa (2-0), presented a public apology.
In an Instagram post, the PSG player returned to his missed penalty in the 85th minute, when the Atlas Lions were only down by one goal.
“Today is a very difficult and sad day for our elimination,” said the defender on Wednesday.
I would like to apologize for the penalty, I took responsibility to help the team, but unfortunately it didn't work.
I would like to thank all the Moroccan people for their support, especially all the people who came to Côte d'Ivoire.
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A post shared by Achraf Hakimi (@achrafhakimi)
The 25-year-old Parisian, who missed his penalty by hitting the bar, was defended by his coach after the match.
“The penalty happens, it’s football,” confided Walid Regragui.
Achraf might have allowed us to get back into the match.
» After the game, the coach tried to console him.
Morocco, semi-finalist of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and favorite of this CAN, suffered a terrible rout.
The objective stated before the competition – reaching the final four – was not achieved.
“I assume this responsibility, my choices, everything that happened,” assured Walid Regragui.
I'm going to sit down with my president and we'll have a good chat.
In any case, I never hide.
We will take our responsibilities and I take mine.
I failed so I have to accept it.
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“We are so proud of you!”
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In his Instagram publication, Achraf Hakimi also had a word for his partner Amine Adli.
The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, previously a Toulouse player, lost his mother shortly before the competition.
He missed part of the preparation but still joined his team in Ivory Coast.
“What can I say about you, my brother,” said Achraf Hakimi.
After everything you went through, you came and gave everything for your country, we are so proud of you!
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