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Morocco star Achraf Hakimi has spoken out for the first time after missing a crucial penalty against South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco star player Hakimi had his country in tears on Wednesday when he missed a penalty against South Africa as the North Africans were booted out of the Afcon.

Hakimi's penalty miss came in the 85th minute as he squandered a golden opportunity to put his side level with Bafana Bafana, who were leading 1-0 at the time.

As it is often said, another man's trash is another man's treasure, and South Africa ran with that, gained momentum and sealed the tie in stoppage time to cause one of the tournament's biggest upsets.

Morocco went into the competition as the favourites to lift the title, and they lived up to that billing in the group stages where they had little trouble.

It was until they met a resilient Bafana Bafana side that saw the defensive unit of Mothobi Mvala and Grant Kekana keeping the Moroccans at bay.

Hakimi, who was arguably Morocco's best performer in the Afcon, took to social media to send a message to his country and Bafana.

"Today is a very difficult and sad day for our elimination. Apologies for the penalty, I took the responsibility of helping the team, but unfortunately, it didn't work," Hakimi said in an Instagram post.

"I want to thank all the Moroccan people for their support, especially all the people who came to Ivory Coast. We will rise and come back stronger from now on! God willing."

"What about you my brother, @amine_ad10. (Amine Adli) After all you've been through, you came and gave it all for your country, we are so proud of you! I love you so much brother Morocco is always! (stronger) And good luck to the South African national team for the rest of the competition," he added.