Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi has praised his team’s resilience and fighting spirit after the Atlas Lions recovered from a difficult start to defeat Haiti 4-2 at the FIFA World Cup.
The African side were forced to respond after a challenging opening period, but a strong second-half display saw Morocco take control and secure another important victory in their tournament campaign.
Hakimi admitted the match was far from straightforward, with Morocco struggling to find their rhythm early on.
However, the team’s ability to adjust their approach and increase their intensity proved decisive.
“It was a tricky game, a difficult one. We didn’t start well, but we changed our mindset and worked hard to get ourselves back into it.”
Morocco’s attacking quality eventually began to show as they pushed forward with greater confidence, creating more chances and putting pressure on Haiti’s defence.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender highlighted the importance of winning battles in midfield and staying focused after the break, explaining that the team could not allow their opponents to gain belief.
“We managed to win thanks to the way we attacked. At half-time, the message was to stay focused on winning the second balls. We couldn’t let them grow in confidence.”
The victory continued Morocco’s strong performances on the international stage, with the team once again showing the determination and tactical discipline that has made them a difficult opponent.
Hakimi was pleased with the final result but insisted the squad must quickly shift focus as they prepare for the next challenge.
“We’re proud of what we did, but now we need to recover well and get ourselves ready for what’s next.”
The win over Haiti underlined Morocco’s ability to handle pressure and respond when matches become difficult.
After falling behind in the game, the Atlas Lions showed maturity and attacking confidence to turn the contest around.
For Hakimi and his teammates, the message remains clear: celebrate the victory, but stay focused on the bigger objective.
Morocco’s journey continues with growing belief that they can compete against the best teams in the world.
Their ability to overcome setbacks could prove crucial as the tournament enters the decisive stages.
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