"It's not normal for the supporters to whistle. We need that 12th man."
"We need the fans. But we have to respect our rivals. They're not easy opponents."
"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. 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."
"People told us we weren't a great team. In the end, we're European champions. So there you have it."
Achraf Hakimi appealed to home supporters in Rabat to stop whistling and serve as the team's 12th man ahead of the final group match against Zambia. Moroccan players were whistled at halftime and full time after a 1-1 draw with Mali. Morocco enters the tournament as the highest-ranked African team (No. 11) and a favorite after a World Cup semifinal run. All group games take place at the near‑70,000‑capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Morocco leads Group A with four points; Mali and Zambia have two and Comoros one. Hakimi referenced his PSG Champions League experience and defended coach Walid Regragui.
Read at ESPN.com
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