Achraf Hakimi apologises for towel incident but says Morocco deserve AFCON title | OneFootball

After PSG's 2-0 Champions League win over Liverpool on Wednesday, Achraf Hakimi used the mixed zone to revisit the disputed Africa Cup of Nations final, apologising for the towel incident while insisting Morocco deserve to be recognised as champions.

According to L'Équipe, the Paris full-back said he was not proud of the image the episode projected, and stressed his team respect opponents and the competition.

He nevertheless reiterated his hope that Morocco can be declared the winners, saying they believe they merit it.

Referencing Senegal's return to the dressing room during the final, Hakimi said, "You cannot leave a pitch like that."

His comments conveyed both a sense of injustice and embarrassment about the picture presented of African football.

The Senegalese federation's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the decision to award victory to Morocco remains under review.

Source: L'Équipe