BREAKING: ‘We didn’t win it’ – Hakimi rejects AFCON title, backs Senegal victory

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has publicly rejected the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title awarded to his country, distancing himself from the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial ruling.

In a strongly worded statement, the Paris Saint-Germain defender declared that he would refuse the winner’s medal, insisting that Senegal were the rightful champions based on the outcome on the pitch.

“My mother told me to refuse the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. I am officially refusing it, and I hope my teammates do the same. We had our chance to win it, but we couldn’t,” Hakimi said.

The development follows a dramatic decision by the Confederation of African Football Appeals Committee, which overturned the result of the 2026 AFCON final and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory after ruling that Senegal forfeited the match.

The ruling stemmed from chaotic scenes during the final in Rabat, where Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest against a controversial penalty decision awarded to Morocco in stoppage time.

Although Senegal returned to complete the match and went on to win 1-0 in extra time through Pape Gueye, CAF later held that the temporary walk-off constituted a breach of competition regulations, thereby nullifying the result.

However, Hakimi has rejected the administrative outcome, choosing instead to recognise the sporting result.

“This is football – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Senegal beat us fairly and deserved the victory. It would be unfair to destroy their joy after all the hard work they put in,” he stated.

While acknowledging CAF’s authority, the Moroccan captain maintained his position.

“I respect the decision of CAF, but I am officially refusing the trophy. I did not win the Africa Cup of Nations. Congratulations once again to Senegal,” he added.

Final Mired in Controversy

The final had already been overshadowed by controversy before CAF’s ruling. After a goalless regulation time, Senegal took the lead early in extra time and appeared on course to lift the trophy.

The turning point came late in stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review, sparking protests from Senegal players, who temporarily left the pitch before returning to continue the match.

Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the resulting penalty, and Senegal held on to secure victory.

Subsequently, Morocco’s football authorities filed an appeal, arguing that Senegal’s walk-off breached competition rules. CAF’s Appeals Committee upheld the claim, invoking regulations that allow for forfeiture in such circumstances.

Division Across African Football

Hakimi’s stance has added a new dimension to the controversy, exposing a growing divide between administrative decisions and perceived sporting fairness.

While Moroccan football authorities have accepted the ruling, the captain’s rejection underscores internal disagreement and has intensified debate across the continent.

With Senegal expected to challenge the decision further, the fallout from the 2026 AFCON final continues to dominate discourse in African football, with Hakimi’s protest likely to remain a defining moment in the saga.

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