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“We don’t deserve it.”

That is the stunning message from Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, who has publicly rejected the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy awarded to his team.

In a rare and dramatic moment in African football, Hakimi distanced himself from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision, insisting that Morocco did not win the title on the pitch.

“Senegal beat us fairly,” he said, in remarks that have sent shockwaves across the football world.

Captain breaks ranks

As captain, Hakimi’s words carry weight--and his stance signals more than personal opinion.

“I’m officially rejecting the trophy,” he said, reportedly urging his teammates to take a similar position.

Such a move is almost unheard of in international football, where players typically accept official outcomes, even when controversial.

The controversy

The AFCON final had originally seen Senegal emerge victorious. However, CAF later overturned the result and awarded Morocco a 3–0 win, citing disciplinary issues after Senegal’s temporary walk-off.

That decision has since divided opinion, with critics questioning whether administrative rulings should override results on the field.

What this could trigger

Hakimi’s stand now puts Morocco in an awkward position--with the captain publicly rejecting what the team has officially been awarded:

• will teammates follow his lead?
• will the federation back him or distance itself?
• and how will CAF respond to such open defiance?

For now, both Morocco’s football authorities and CAF remain silent.

But Hakimi’s message is already loud and clear: Football is won on the pitch--not in boardrooms.