Moroccan football stars Achraf Hakimi and Sofiane Boufal have issued public apologies after liking social media posts that appeared to support Senegal following Morocco's elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Atlas Lions were defeated by Senegal 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the tournament held in Morocco.
The players' actions, which involved liking posts from Senegalese media and players celebrating the victory, sparked significant criticism from Moroccan fans on social media platforms. Many supporters viewed the gestures as disrespectful to the national team and its passionate fanbase following the painful home-soil defeat.
In separate statements, both Hakimi and Boufal clarified that their likes were intended as gestures of sportsmanship and respect towards their club teammates who play for Senegal, not as an endorsement of Morocco's loss. They expressed regret for any misunderstanding and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment and pride in representing the Moroccan national team.
The incident highlights the intense scrutiny footballers face on social media, where casual interactions can be magnified and misinterpreted, especially in the emotionally charged aftermath of a major tournament defeat. The Moroccan Football Federation has not issued an official statement regarding the players' social media activity.
