Hakimi: PSG Star Apologises for Missing Penalty in AFCON Match Against South Africa

• Achrf Hakimi has apologised for missing a penalty against South Africa
• Morocco have been eliminated from the 2023 Aftican Nations Cup
• The North African country will host the next Africa Cup of Nations in 2025

Morocco’s star right-back Achraf Hakimi has issued a heartfelt apology for missing the penalty that ultimately led to Morocco’s elimination by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the AFCON round of 16 on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old star right-back faced a moment of intense pressure in the 84th minute of the round of 16 match, coming up to take a penalty kick that would see Morocco equalize an earlier South African goal and eventually hope to reach the AFCON quarter-finals.

But the PSG star missed the crucial penalty and South Africa went on to add to the Moroccan fans’ heartbreak by scoring a second goal in the dying minutes of added time as the Atlas Lions continued to chase a last-ditch equalizer, according to CAF Online.

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Hakimi apologises for missing a penalty

The defeat left Moroccan fans in a state of shock, with many left alternating between disappointment and confusion as they struggled to make sense of yet another early AFCON exit for a talented Moroccan side that most observers had rated as one of this year's top contenders for the continental crown.

Hakimi wrote on Instagram:

“Today is a very difficult and sad day for our elimination,” Hakimi wrote on Instagram. “Apologies for the penalty; I took the responsibility of helping the team, but unfortunately, it didn't work.”

Despite the pain of losing to South Africa, Hakimi showcased his fair play spirit as he wished the Bafana Bafana good luck for the remainder of the competition.

“And good luck to the South African national team for the rest of the competition,” he added.

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Morocco suffers AFCON elimination

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Morocco have crashed out of AFCON 2023 after a surprise defeat to South Africa in the last 16 of the competition on Tuesday night.

Second-half goals from Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena were enough as South Africa sealed a place in the quarter-final.

Meanwhile, since becoming the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar two years ago, Morocco have lost two of 13 matches, and both defeats were inflicted by South Africa.