By Angu Lesley
Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has sent a strong message to the football world following the Atlas Lions’ latest FIFA World Cup success, insisting that African nations have earned global respect through their performances.
Speaking after Morocco’s dramatic Round of 32 victory over the Netherlands, Hakimi declared:
 The world should start respecting the African teams now. We are better than Europe.”
The skipper also dismissed suggestions that Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals was merely a one-off.
Yes, many people thought that what happened in 2022 was just luck.”
Morocco’s latest triumph further underlines the remarkable transformation of African football. Since their historic semi-final appearance in Qatar, the Atlas Lions have continued to grow into one of the world’s most consistent national teams, backed by elite infrastructure, outstanding player development, and a winning culture.
Even former Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, whose side was eliminated by Morocco on penalties, admitted after the match that Morocco were the better team and praised the remarkable progress of African football, acknowledging that the gap between Africa and Europe’s traditional powers has narrowed significantly.
With another World Cup knockout victory secured, Morocco are proving that their rise is no longer a fairytale—it is the result of years of planning, investment, and excellence. Hakimi’s bold words may spark debate, but the Atlas Lions continue to let their football do the talking.
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