Hakimi stays calm amid rape trial, says Morocco coach

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was described as “very calm” by national‑team coach Mohamed Ouahbi after the team’s 1‑0 victory over Scotland at the World Cup, despite the player’s pending rape trial in France.

Ouahbi said the Paris Saint‑Germain defender woke up, ate, and prepared for the match like everyone else, and that he was “focused and determined to put in a big performance.” He added that Hakimi remained “unfazed” and that the team stands behind him.

Hakimi, 27, denies allegations that he raped a 24‑year‑old woman in the Paris region in 2023. He was booed by a crowd of more than 64,000 at Gillette Stadium in Boston during the match.

The win gave Morocco four points from two games in Group C, following a 1‑1 draw with Brazil in their opening match. The team will face Haiti in Atlanta next Wednesday as they seek to advance to the knockout stage.

Ouahbi praised Hakimi, calling him “the best right‑back in the world” and saying he will continue to deliver strong performances. He also noted Hakimi’s importance to the coaching staff, the players, and the national team.

Ismael Saibari scored Morocco’s match‑winning goal against Scotland after just 71 seconds, the earliest in the tournament. The 25‑year‑old, who also scored against Brazil, is a Spanish‑born PSV Eindhoven player reportedly close to a 55‑million‑euro move to Bayern Munich.

Saibari said, “It has been a dream of mine since I was little to play at a World Cup for my country.” He added, “I have done it, and scored two goals. So I am really pleased but the most important thing is to get out of the group and go as far as possible.”

AFP