Rabat, Morocco – As the host nation of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco and its national team, the Atlas Lions, are under immense pressure to perform. Achraf Hakimi, the team's captain, has made a direct appeal to the Moroccan fans, urging them to rally behind the team as their "12th man". This call to action comes amidst the ongoing tournament, where the Atlas Lions are aiming for their first AFCON title since 1976.
Hakimi's plea follows some criticism from the home crowd during their match against Mali, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The fans' dissatisfaction was evident through whistles at halftime and after the final whistle. In response, Hakimi emphasized the importance of unwavering support, particularly when facing tough opponents. "It's not normal for the supporters to whistle," Hakimi stated before Morocco's final group game against Zambia on Monday. "We need that 12th man".
Despite currently managing a physical setback, Hakimi has pledged his unwavering support for the Atlas Lions. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Morocco's match against Comoros, Hakimi conveyed a message of unity and responsibility, highlighting that his role transcends his presence on the field. He stressed that, regardless of whether he starts the match or watches from the sidelines, his commitment as captain remains steadfast.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender also acknowledged the psychological toll of his injury, particularly given his strong desire to participate in the Cup competitions. He has communicated this sentiment openly to the technical staff, but the ultimate decision regarding his participation rests with head coach Walid Regragui. Regragui has indicated that Hakimi will make his first appearance of the tournament against Zambia. However, Hakimi himself has said, "I'm not thinking about me as an individual. If I only play one minute and the team wins, then that's fine".
Morocco, currently ranked 11th in the FIFA rankings, entered the tournament as a favorite, especially after their impressive semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup. The team is currently leading Group A with four points from two games, with matches being held in the nearly 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Hakimi also drew on his experience with Paris Saint-Germain, where the team faced criticism before ultimately winning the Champions League. He hopes that a similar resilience and determination will propel the Atlas Lions forward. Coach Walid Regragui echoed this sentiment, highlighting the immense pressure on the team to win, but framing it as a positive driving force. "The pressure on us is positive, but anything other than victory will be a failure," Regragui stated.
Hakimi's recent message isn't the first time he's addressed fan behavior. During the 2024 Olympics in Paris, he expressed disappointment over the actions of some supporters, emphasizing that such behavior undermines the positive image of Morocco's fanbase.
As the Atlas Lions continue their AFCON campaign, the call for unity between the team and its supporters remains paramount. Hakimi's leadership and dedication, combined with the fervent support of the Moroccan fans, could prove to be a decisive factor in their quest for continental glory.
