Africa News
Hakimi Rejects AFCON Trophy, Stands by Senegal’s Win
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has rejected the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title awarded to his team, stating that he does not acknowledge the victory following CAF’s disputed decision.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender reportedly announced that he would refuse to accept the winner’s medal, emphasizing that Senegal earned the championship based on their performance on the pitch.
In an official statement, Hakimi confirmed his refusal of the AFCON trophy and expressed hope that his teammates might follow his example.
This statement comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result of the 2026 AFCON final, granting Morocco a 3-0 win by default after ruling that Senegal had forfeited the match.
The ruling followed controversial scenes in Rabat, where Senegal players briefly left the field in protest over a penalty awarded to Morocco during stoppage time.
Although the Senegalese side returned to finish the game and won 1-0 in extra time, CAF’s Appeals Committee later determined that the temporary walk-off violated competition rules.
Hakimi, however, has distanced himself from the administrative ruling, choosing instead to acknowledge the result achieved during play.