Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi said on Sunday that the Atlas Lions are fully aware of the high expectations of their supporters, stressing that winning the Africa Cup of Nations remains a collective objective shared by the entire squad.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Rabat ahead of Morocco’s Group A encounter with Zambia, scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Paris Saint-Germain star underlined that the upcoming match will be far from easy.
Hakimi warned against underestimating any opponent, noting that African football has become increasingly competitive. “There are no easy games anymore. We must respect every team and give everything in each match,” he said.
The African Ballon d’Or winner expressed confidence in the Atlas Lions’ ability to rise to the challenge, emphasizing the team’s determination to secure victory and maintain their position at the top of the group standings.
Reflecting on Morocco’s previous 1-1 draw against Mali, Hakimi described the performance as solid, particularly against a side composed of players competing at the highest levels of international football.
He added that the national team remains focused on improvement, highlighting the importance of unity and collective effort. “Morocco is a great football nation. We know we have to improve, and to do that, we need everyone,” Hakimi concluded.
Morocco will face Zambia on Matchday 3 of Group A as they continue their campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations, with fans hoping the Atlas Lions can translate their ambitions into a decisive result on home soil.
