Morocco star Achraf Hakimi has issued a public apology following his side's defeat to Bafana Bafana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
South Africa progressed to the quarter-final stage of the competition at the expense of the Atlas Lions, beating them 2-0 in the round of 16 on Tuesday night.
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Goals from Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena, who produced a scintillating free-kick in stoppage time, secured the result for the Rainbow Nation.
Morocco had their fair share of chances but proved less clinical in front of goal, registering 13 shots, but with only two of them finding the target.
One of the biggest talking points of the match was produced by Hakimi, who missed a chance to level the game and potentially change the complexion of the match.
After Bafana centre-back Mothobi Mvala was penalised for handling the ball in the box, the Atlas Lions were awarded a penalty in the 81st minute.
The Paris Saint-Germain star stepped up to take the spot-kick but failed to convert it, however.
An emotional Hakimi has since taken to social media to apologise to his nation and thank them for their support throughout the tournament.
"Today is a very difficult and sad day for our elimination," the defender wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
"I want to apologise for the penalty. I took the responsibility to help the team, but unfortunately, it didn't work out.
"I want to thank all the Moroccan people for their support, especially all the people who came to Ivory Coast.
"We will rise again and come back stronger for the future! Insha'Allah (God willing). Forever Morocco!
"And good luck to the South African national team for the rest of the competition."
Read: Morocco boss makes big resignation admission after Bafana loss
The north African giants will now look towards securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well as preparing for AFCON 2025, which they will be hosting.
Bafana, meanwhile, will face Cape Verde in the quarter-finals of the competition on Saturday night, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 SA time.
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