Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi says his team are unperturbed despite the rape charge against captain Achraf Hakimi in France, Yankee Scores reports.
He said Hakimi is “very relaxed” after a French appeals court confirmed Friday that he will stand trial in a rape case.
Morocco secured a 1-0 win over Scotland in Foxborough on Friday on the day the French court ruled that Hakimi will stand trial despite the captain’s move to dismiss the charge.
Hakimi Denies Any Wrongdoing
Hakimi broke years of silence, maintaining his innocence in a social media post.
“The justice system looked me in the eye and said, ‘If you weren’t famous, there would never have been a case,’” Hakimi wrote on social media on Friday.
“I chose to remain silent for years. I believed that maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.
“Today, a story that isn’t mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. I sometimes feel like I’ve become an easy target.
Ouahbi’s Defensive Stand
When asked about whether he was concerned he’d have to manage Hakimi, Ouahbi said: “Did you see the game? I suppose you did. Hakimi was extraordinary so we’re very relaxed, he’s very relaxed and I believe he played really well.”
Hakimi showed composure throughout the match despite boos from some sections of fans in the stadium whenever he received the ball.
“He did a good job, why talk about management?” Ouahbi added. “He woke up in the morning, ate like everybody, he was focused, he played with everybody, he wanted to play strongly and that’s what he did.
“We don’t have to say anything — we’re behind him, he’s very relaxed and hopefully he’s going to show he’s the best wingback in the world. I believe this is important for me, the players and the 44 million Moroccans who are following us.”
A woman accused the Paris Saint Germain’s defender of rape at his residence in Paris. She claimed it happened when she was 24 years old three years ago, per ESPN.
