Morocco's national football team captain, Achraf Hakimi, has made a heartfelt public appeal to the host nation's supporters, asking them to cease whistling at the players during the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. The plea comes after the team faced audible discontent from the stands during their previous match.
Hakimi's Direct Appeal to the Moroccan Faithful
Ahead of Morocco's final Group A encounter against Zambia on Monday, December 30, 2025, Hakimi addressed the media on Sunday. The star defender expressed that the team needs its passionate supporters now more than ever. "It's not normal for the supporters to whistle," Hakimi stated candidly. "We need that 12th man." His comments followed the 1-1 draw with Mali on Friday, December 26, in Rabat, where Moroccan players were met with whistles both at halftime and after the final whistle, reflecting fan frustration over the disappointing result.
Hakimi emphasized the critical role of fan support while also calling for respect towards opponents. "We need the fans," he reiterated. "But we have to respect our rivals. They're not easy opponents." Morocco, currently ranked 11th in the FIFA world rankings and the highest-ranked African side, carries the weight of massive expectation as tournament favorites, especially after their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals.
High Stakes in Rabat and a Coach's Endorsement
All of Morocco's group stage matches are being held at the sprawling Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which has a capacity of nearly 70,000. The team is positioned to play their first knockout game there as well, provided they finish at the summit of Group A. Hakimi acknowledged the heightened expectations but urged for perspective. "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," he said.
The captain also threw his full support behind coach Walid Regragui, who has faced some criticism. "He's done a great job. He was with the team at the World Cup. He has changed mentalities, even mine," Hakimi affirmed. In a significant boost for the team, Regragui confirmed that Hakimi, recovering from an ankle injury, will make his tournament debut against Zambia, either in the starting lineup or as a substitute. The coach hailed him as "the best player in Africa."
Drawing Parallels with PSG and Group Standings
Hakimi drew upon his experience with club side Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where players were similarly whistled before the team's triumphant UEFA Champions League victory in May 2025. "People told us we weren't a great team. In the end, we're European champions. So there you have it," he remarked, suggesting that patience and unity can lead to ultimate success.
As the group stage concludes, the standings are tight. Morocco leads Group A with four points from two games. Mali and Zambia are tied on two points each, while Comoros has one point. The final group matches, including Morocco vs. Zambia and Mali vs. Comoros, both scheduled for Monday, will decide which two teams advance automatically, along with the best third-place finishers from across the groups.
