We have made people in Africa believe – Achraf Hakimi

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Aug 10, 2024. 15:00

Morocco star Achraf Hakimi believes that their Olympic men’s football team’s bronze medal win at Paris 2024 has added further impetus to the country’s remarkable success in recent years.

The Atlas Lions broke a glass ceiling for African football by reaching the semifinals of the men’s FIFA World Cup in late 2022, and just over 18 months later their U-23 team secured a bronze medal at the Olympic Games after a 6-0 thrashing of fellow North Africans Egypt in the third-place playoff.

“This medal means a lot after the World Cup, where we made history and opened many doors both in our country and for other countries,” Hakimi told FIFA.

“We have made people in Africa believe that we can also achieve things. This means a lot for our country and for the next generation.

“There are kids who play in our country, who are eligible for two nationalities. However, when they see these things happening in Morocco, everyone makes a case for choosing Morocco to help us make this country greater.”

Coach Tarik Sektioui also celebrated another milestone for his country: “This fills all Moroccans with pride. It shows that football is moving in the right direction, and we are making good progress.

“Moroccan football is pushing to become a global power. After the World Cup success, and the progress we have shown, we have to stick to our plan.”