Morocco Squad ‘Supporting’ Hakimi Despite Impending Rape Trial

In Atlanta: Morocco goalkeeper Munir El Kajoui says he has the support of his teammates despite captain Achraf Hakimi being tried in France on rape charges.

The Paris Saint-Germain star denies allegations that he raped a 24-year-old woman in the French capital in 2023.

On Friday, a French appeals court confirmed that the 27-year-old will stand trial.

Just hours later, the African footballer of the year captained Morocco to a 1-0 win over Scotland, but was regularly booed by fans in Boston.

“Everyone supports Achraf,” El Kajoui said at a press conference ahead of Morocco’s final group match against Haiti on Wednesday.

“He is our standard in Morocco, so we will always be behind him in everything.”

Morocco did enough to earn a place in the last 32 of the World Cup after holding five-time winners Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their opening match.

Victory against already eliminated Haiti could take them top of Group C, ahead of Brazil.

Atlas Lions, who were semi-finalists four years ago, are dreaming of becoming the first African team to win the World Cup.

“Why not? Let’s win this,” added El Kajoui, 37, who plays for RS Berkane in his home country.

“When I was growing up, all the kids dreamed of going to the World Cup and being in the scenario I’m in now.

“There’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes in Morocco, and of course that gives us the tools to dream about it.

“We’re physically strong, we’re tactically strong, we’re mentally strong.”