Unwavering Support for Achraf Hakimi
In a show of solidarity, Munir El Kajoui, the backup goalkeeper for the Moroccan national team, expressed that "everyone supports Achraf Hakimi" as the world-renowned footballer faces legal proceedings for alleged rape. This declaration came on Tuesday, just a day before Morocco's crucial match against Haiti in the World Cup. El Kajoui reiterated the team's commitment to Hakimi, stating, "We will continue to support him no matter what happens," during a press conference held in Atlanta, following a display of backing from a Moroccan journalist.
Last Friday, French authorities confirmed that the Moroccan captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender is set to stand trial for the alleged violation of a woman in 2023, an accusation he firmly denies. The specific date for the trial remains undisclosed, adding to the uncertainties surrounding the player.
Morocco's Focus on Winning
As Morocco prepares for its final group stage match against Haiti, a team that has already been eliminated from the tournament, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi emphasized the team's determination to secure victory. He stated on Tuesday, "The objective is to win the match" in order to finish at the top of the group, which is currently led by Brazil based on goal difference. Ouahbi is not underestimating their opponent, highlighting that Haiti has posed challenges to strong teams like Scotland and Brazil in previous matches.
Looking ahead to the knockout stage, Ouahbi asserted that the team is ready to face any opponent, having demonstrated their capabilities in the tournament so far. He remarked, "I am not focused on any particular rival," as the team's qualification for the last 16 is not yet fully secured. The recent draw against Brazil (1-1) provided a valuable reference point against a top-tier team, yet the coach is also mindful of the potential challenges posed by other strong contenders like the Netherlands and Japan.
As reported by es-us.noticias.yahoo.com.
