"Senegal won fairly" - Achraf Hakimi refuses Africa Cup of Nations trophy

Morocco and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi has displayed the highest level of sporting integrity.

Details: In an interview with GhanaSoccernet, the footballer announced that he does not accept the championship title awarded to his team by CAF after Senegal's disqualification.

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Hakimi admitted that his decision was inspired by a conversation with his mother. The player emphasized that a victory achieved in the boardroom, not on the pitch, holds no value for him:

“My mother told me to refuse the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. I officially refuse it and hope my teammates will do the same. We had a chance to win it on the pitch, but we couldn't. That's football – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,” said Achraf.

The Moroccan leader openly acknowledged the superiority of their opponents in the final, noting that the "Lions of Teranga" earned their triumph through honest effort.

“Senegal won fairly. It would be unfair to ruin their joy after all the hard work they've put in. I respect CAF's decision, but I officially refuse the trophy. I did not win the Africa Cup of Nations. Once again, congratulations to Senegal,” the defender concluded.

According to Hakimi, taking away the joy of the Senegalese people would be a sign of disrespect to the sport.

Reminder: CAF is demanding that Sadio Mane return the Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament award.