In the final played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, the Atlas Lions were kept waiting to lay their hands on the coveted title. It was Senegal, who were crowned champions of Africa for the second time in their history after edging out the Atlas Lions 1-0.
The final of the 35th edition of the AFCON went to the penalties after the two nations drew 0-0 in regular and extra time. The decisive moment arrived just three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the area.
Gueye’s effort was very strong, denying standout goalkeeper Yassine Bounou a chance to make a save. Morocco had come close to settling the contest at the end of regulation time.
Awarded a late penalty following a VAR review, the hosts were denied when Edouard Mendy stopped playmaker Brahim Diaz’s Panenka attempt forcing the final beyond the 90 minutes.
Substitute Pape Cherif Ndiaye almost doubled the Lion of Teranga’s lead in the closing stages but Bounou made a superb save. Ndiaye’s effort to score from a rebound was also stopped by the keeper.
Morocco's future looks promising
Taking to his social media pages, Hakimi, who captained the side that qualified for the final after defeating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties, insisted by losing in the final, it was not the end of the national team adding the future was looking promising.
“After a very difficult few days, trying to absorb everything that has been going on, I needed to express myself from the heart,” wrote Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain.
“It’s 35 days of living together, constant effort, discipline and unity. A group that has shown the world that Morocco is not content to compete: Morocco inspires.
“Today, this Moroccan team has become a strong, respected and admired team, like a country that moves forward with confidence and shows the world that it is one of the great nations of football.
“Every training session, every game, and every shared moment has embodied values of greatness: respect, self-giving, humility, and immense pride in representing a nation. We have carried Morocco's name with honour and brought hope to millions of people, at home and across our borders.”
The right-back, who was named the 2025 African Player of the Year, continued: “The road doesn’t stop here. What we have experienced is a solid foundation for the future.
“With this mindset, union and ambition, there's no limit to what this selection can achieve. The future is built by what we plant today. The future looks promising. Morocco will continue to move forward with its head held high.”
Hakimi hailed the support the national team had received from the Moroccan Majesty, referred primarily to King Mohammed VI, and his immense work done to make the 2025 AFCON edition a success.
“I would like to first thank His Majesty, for the immense work done to make this Africa Cup of Nations, undoubtedly, the best in history, organized in our country,” added Hakimi.
“Thank you for your vision, support and constant love for football and Morocco. Thanks also to our President Lekjaa Fouzi, for his total commitment to this selection and for believing in us every step of the way.”
In his message to the fans, he said: “And how not to thank the Moroccan people. Thank you for being there for every game, every minute, every emotion. You’ve been our twelfth man, our strength when legs were heavy and hearts were aching.
“We felt your support in Morocco and every corner of the world.”
Hakimi had a message to coach Walid Regragui. He said: “I want to thank Walid (Regragui) and all his staff, but especially my teammates. For the work, commitment and enormous sacrifice we have made together during this AFCON.”
Morocco, who participated in the AFCON much later than other North African states, made their debut in 1972,and became the second North African side to win the AFCON in 1976.
