Achraf Hakimi hails sacrifice as Morocco march into AFCON final

The hosts edged past Nigeria on penalties following a goalless 120 minutes of intense football, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerging as the hero in the shootout.

Hakimi said the squad had embraced the weight of expectation that comes with hosting the tournament, describing it as a driving force rather than a burden. 

The Paris Saint-Germain defender also spoke of the pride he feels in leading one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses to the brink of a historic achievement.

"Really happy, first of all I want to congratulate the team for the effort that they made today. Not only today, the sacrifice that we've been doing for one month. It's not easy, there are a lot of things to do, our family, our children and everything,” Hakimi said. 

“To arrive in that moment, to arrive in that final, I think the team deserves it after the work today in front of our fans. Now this is a special moment, we have to enjoy it before focusing on Sunday." 

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With the match dragging to extra-time Hakimi admits fatigue set in but at the same time Morocco had enough quality – even via penalties to see off Nigeria. 

Morocco now face another tough opponent in Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and Hakimi knows the side led by Sadio Mane will be their biggest test at the AFCON this year.

"Yes, against one of the best national teams in Africa, they already showed that one more time but now we are in a good moment, we have to continue like that. We have our goal to arrive on Sunday and make Moroccans proud and try to win this trophy."