"I Waited Too Long": Achraf Hakimi on Morocco's Historic 2025 AFCON Title

Moroccan international star Achraf Hakimi has broken his silence regarding the Moroccan national team's historic and unique triumph in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Paris Saint-Germain defender's comments emphasize the pride felt by the "Atlas Lions" despite the legal scenario that eventually decided the title.

Hakimi on "THE BRIDGE": A Long-Awaited Dream

Appearing on the popular show "THE BRIDGE", Hakimi did not hide his emotions about securing the trophy. He stated:

"We are very happy with this coronation. I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time. Even if we won this way, it does not diminish our joy of being African champions."

Hakimi's words reflect a sense of satisfaction within the squad, viewing the title as the culmination of years of hard work and excellence on the world stage.

The Decision: CAF Awards Title After Senegal Withdrawal

Morocco's coronation follows one of the most talked-about cases in African football history. The CAF Appeals Committee issued a decision to strip the title from Senegal and award it to Morocco. This came after the "Teranga Lions" were deemed to have lost the final (3-0) due to their withdrawal from the match, prompting continental authorities to apply official regulations.

FotScore Technical Analysis: Psychological Boost for 2026

While the victory came via an administrative ruling, FotScore experts believe this title serves as a crucial psychological validation for Morocco's golden generation. Strategically, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s persistence in defending the team's rights has returned the cup to Rabat. This triumph provides Walid Regragui’s squad with massive momentum as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup as the reigning kings of Africa.