“We’ll Achieve Some Great Things”: Hakimi Speaks on Morocco’s Chances at AFCON

• Achraf Hakimi is optimistic of a good outing for Morocco at AFCON 2023
• The Paris Saint-Germain forward is one of Morocco’s key players
• Morocco have failed to win the AFCON since their last triumph in 1976

Achraf Hakimi has vowed to give his all for the Moroccan national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after joining up with the rest of his teammates at their training camp.

The Atlas Lions will hope to go a step better than their 2022 FIFA World Cup milestone when they became the first African team to reach the semifinals of football’s biggest international competition.

According to Morocco World News, Hakimi, who plays for French giant Paris Saint-Germain, expressed his optimism and confidence in honouring Moroccan football by fighting for the title.

"I am very happy to join my teammates and continue working with the group. I'm going to give my all for the national team, and I hope we'll achieve some great things."

AFCON 2023: Ex Nigeria player Samson Siasia backs Super Eagles for title

Football

Morocco has been placed in a tricky group ahead of the AFCON after being placed with countries like DR Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania in Group F.

Morocco keen to end AFCON curse

Meanwhile, Morocco coach Walid Regragui says he wants his team to break “the curse of the African Cup” as the Atlas Lions get ready to tackle 23 other countries for Africa’s biggest football prize, Sportstar reports.

Morocco has not won the continental competition in 47 years, but after reaching the World Cup semifinals in Qatar last year, the North African team is again one of the favourites to win the trophy in Ivory Coast.

Since winning the cup in 1976, the Atlas Lions have only made it to the final once, in 2004, when host Tunisia defeated them.

AFCON favourites Morocco arrive in style

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that players of the Moroccan national team arrived in style to begin preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco's AFCON title chances suffer major blow as injuries rocks camp

Football

The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists travel to Ivory Coast as favourites to win the tournament following their incredible run in the past 12 months.

Coach Walid Regragui has named a 27-man squad for the competition, adding World Cup stars Yassine Bounou and Sofyan Amrabat to his final list.