Achraf Hakimi Addresses AFCON 2025 Final Controversy and Ongoing Title Dispute
Morocco's national team captain, Achraf Hakimi, has broken his silence regarding the tumultuous events that unfolded during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal. The Paris Saint-Germain defender spoke candidly about the match that has plunged African football into prolonged controversy, particularly addressing his own sanctioned actions involving goalkeeper Édouard Mendy's towels.
The Chaotic Final and Its Aftermath
The AFCON 2025 championship match between Morocco and Senegal descended into chaos with multiple controversial incidents that have continued to reverberate through the football community. The most notable flashpoint occurred when Senegal players walked off the pitch following a penalty awarded to Morocco by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, a decision that prompted intervention from Senegalese captain Sadio Mané to restore order.
Despite Brahim Díaz missing the resulting penalty, the match proceeded to extra time where Pape Gueye scored what appeared to be the championship-winning goal for Senegal. However, the Confederation of African Football's subsequent investigations and appeals have completely overturned the initial outcome.
Hakimi's Sanctions and Regret
The CAF disciplinary committee imposed significant penalties following the final, including a two-match ban (with one suspended) against Hakimi for unsporting behavior that involved discarding Mendy's towels into the crowd. While the Royal Moroccan Football Federation successfully appealed to reduce sanctions against other players, Hakimi's suspension remains intact.
"They were difficult moments, charged with tension inside the stadium," Hakimi admitted during an interview with Movistar following PSG's Champions League victory over Liverpool. "I don't feel proud of the image we showed because of the towel incident. Still, the team presented a good competitive showing. We respected the opponent and the tournament."
Ongoing Title Battle and CAS Appeal
In a dramatic post-tournament development, CAF's Appeal Board overturned Senegal's victory after Morocco formally contested the initial judgment. This decision has created an unprecedented situation where the 2025 AFCON championship currently lacks an official holder as both federations pursue further legal avenues.
Hakimi expressed support for CAF's decision to review the match outcome while emphasizing his belief that Morocco deserves the title. "What should happen is currently being assessed, and we hope a decision is taken that serves the interests of African football," the defender stated. "We hope to get the title because we deserve it, and because you can't leave the pitch that way."
The case is expected to proceed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where a final determination will be made regarding the championship title and various player sanctions. Meanwhile, CAF President Patrice Motsepe has acknowledged the overall success of the tournament despite its controversial conclusion, particularly praising Morocco's hosting capabilities.
As African football continues to grapple with the fallout from this unprecedented final, Hakimi's reflections provide insight into the emotional complexity of high-stakes international competition while highlighting the ongoing institutional challenges facing continental football governance.
