Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi has tendered an apology to Moroccans after he missed a penalty in their 2-0 defeat to South Africa at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Atlas Lions failed to make it into the quarter-final of competition in Ivory Coast and and their wait for an AFCON trophy since 1976 lingers.
Morocco were trailing by 1-0 when Hakimi stepped up for a chance to draw them level but he failed to convert from the spot as his effort hit the woodwork.
Evidence Makgopa put South Africa in front earlier in the 57th minute and deep in added time, Teboho Mokoena sealed the win from a well-taken free-kick.
The PSG left-back expressed his disappointment after the loss and he wished Bafana Bafana well as they challenge Cape Verde in the quarter-final on Saturday.
Hakimi tweeted: “Today is a very difficult and sad day for our elimination. I would like to apologize for the penalty, I took responsibility to help the team, but unfortunately, it didn’t work.
“I would like to thank all the Moroccan people for their support, especially all the people who came to Côte d’Ivoire. We will get up and come back stronger for the future! Insha’Allah Dima Maghrib! And good luck to the South African national team for the rest of the competition.”
Morocco will turn their attention to the 2025 AFCON that will be staged on their home soil next year.
