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Morocco’s Atlas Lions will receive $800,000 as a money prize for reaching the round of 16 of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced today that all teams that made it out of the AFCON group stages are entitled to this prize money.
The trophy winner will receive a money prize worth $7 million, CAF detailed. Meanwhile, each of the tournament’s runners-up will be awarded $4 million, the semi-finalists will receive $2.5 million, while the quarterfinalists will each receive $1.3 million.
Morocco’s national team exited the AFCON following a 2-0 defeat against South Africa.
The stunning defeat not only put an end to Morocco’s AFCON aspirations, but it also took the footballing world by surprise as most observers considered the Moroccan Atlas Lions to be one of the favorites to lift this year’s continental trophy.
Despite the disappointment, Moroccan fans rallied behind the Atlas Lions, extending their support and compassion– suggesting that the chance to win the AFCON trophy at home in 2025 could be higher.
Morocco will host the continental tournament next year.
Moroccan football players, for their part, extended their apologies, including Morocco’s star Achraf Hakimi.
Hakim’s apology came after he missed a penalty that could have leveled Morocco’s scoreline against South Africa in the round of 16 match.
“Today is a very difficult and sad day for our elimination,” Hakimi wrote on Instagram. “Apologies for the penalty; I took the responsibility of helping the team, but unfortunately, it didn’t work,” Hakimi said.
The Atlas Lions captain Romain Saiss also made similar remarks, apologizing to fans.
“We’ve made a lot of people sad today…I would like to apologize for that…“We still have a lot of room for improvement. But today, for sure, we are disappointed. I am very disappointed,”he said.
Walid Regragui, Morocco’s head coach said he takes full responsibility for the defeat.
“I don’t hide behind any excuses,” he said.
