AFCON: Achraf Hakimi warns Morocco ahead of Zambia clash

Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi has warned his teammates not to underrate Zambia when they face off in their Group A fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday. The Atlas Lions will return to action after their 1-1 draw against Mali on Saturday denied an early qualification for the knockut stages.

 

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Morocco must keep feet on the ground

“We know the fans want us to win all the time. Since the World Cup, there’s a new Morocco, but we mustn’t forget to keep our feet on the ground,” Hakimi told reporters ahead of the contest.

“Having the AFCON at home helps us, but it doesn’t make things easier. We need them behind us. And as for the criticism of the coach, he’s done a great job. He was with the team at the World Cup. He has changed mentalities, even mine.”

The PSG defender added: “It’s not normal for the supporters to whistle. We need that 12th man.”

This will be the fourth AFCON meeting between the two teams. Of their previous three AFCON meetings, Morocco have recorded two wins, with the other match ending in a draw.

All three previous encounters — in 1986, 1998 and 2023 — were contested at the group stage. Their most recent AFCON meeting came at the 2023 edition, where the North Africans won their final group game 1–0 to advance as Group F winners alongside DR Congo.

The game against Zambia will be played at the near 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.