The dreams of an entire nation came to an abrupt end on Tuesday night. Morocco, considered one of the top favorites in the Africa Cup of Nations, was defeated in the round of 16 by South Africa (2-0) in a nightmarish match.

 Trailing on the scoreboard after a goal from Makgopa early in the second half, the Lions of the Atlas had a golden opportunity to equalize five minutes from the end of extra time. However, Achraf Hakimi sent his penalty against the crossbar, sealing the elimination of his team.

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"Today is a very difficult and sad day for our elimination. I want to apologize for the penalty; I took the responsibility to help the team, but unfortunately, it didn't work out. I want to thank the entire Moroccan people for their support, especially all the people who came to Ivory Coast. We will rise again and come back stronger for what lies ahead! Insha’Allah Dima Maghrib! And good luck to the South African national team in the rest of the competition," posted the Paris Saint-Germain defender on social media. 

A beautiful message from the right-back. Morocco, a semi-finalist in the last World Cup, had hoped to win their second Africa Cup of Nations.