Achraf Hakimi: PSG right back sends message to Neymar, Messi after scoring 2 free kicks in AFCON

Achraf Hakimi: PSG right back sends message to Neymar, Messi after scoring 2 free kicks in AFCON

Rene Otinga
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:54 PM
  • Hakimi has scored two stunning free-kicks in the Africa Cup of Nations so far
  • He was asked whether he would like to take over free-kick duty at Paris Saint Germain
  • As it stands, Lionel Messi and Neymar are the free-kick specialists at the French club

Paris Saint Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi will try and take over set-piece duty from Lionel Messi and Neymar when he jets back to France after the Africa Cup of Nations.

Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi has scored two stunning free-kicks for Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations. Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto
Source: Getty Images

Hakimi scored yet another sensational free-kick, this time the winner for Morocco to beat Malawi in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16.

Only days earlier, the former Inter Milan man had bagged a free-kick against Gabon in the group stage round, in a strike that was tipped to be the goal of the tournament.

While speaking to reporters at the final whistle after sinking Malawi, Hakimi was asked whether he would fancy being on free-kick duty at PSG , with the likes of Neymar and Lionel Messi on the side.

Hakimi admitted it would be difficult to become the number one free-kick taker for PSG, although he also added that he would consider asking the star duo.

"It’ll be difficult," said the player via Get French Football News after Morocco's 2-1 win over Malawi. "But I will try to speak with Leo or Neymar."

Hakim’s performances have been so impressive for Morocco, that Kylian Mbappe has hailed him as the best right back in the world.

“Achraf Hakimi. Best right back in the world. Good night guys,” Mbappe tweeted at the back of the Moroccan’s free kick against Malawi.

At only 23, Hakimi has played for some of the biggest football clubs in the game, and only moved to PSG last summer on a free transfer.

So far this season, he has featured 25 times for PSG, scoring three goals.

Morocco will now turn their sights to Egypt, whom she will face in the quarter-finals on Sunday, January 30.

Egypt eliminate Ivory Coast on penalties

Egypt secured their slot in the AFCON quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout saw them edge Ivory Coast after a 0-0 draw in regulation and extra time.

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly missed the decisive spot kick as Salah scored the winning one to send the Pharaohs to the next round.

Prior to the tournament, Salah had boldly indicated that the Africa Cup of Nations trophy would be the one closest to his heart if he wins it.

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Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.
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