The Manchester United star who was sent off in Morocco's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 defeat to Bafana Bafana has sent a heartfelt message to Moroccan fans.
Moments following Achraf Hakimi's costly penalty miss in the final minutes of the last-16 encounter on Tuesday, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was sent off after a last-man challenge on Teboho Mokoena.
While he was initially shown a second yellow card having been booked earlier in the second half, the 27-year-old's punishment was upgraded to a straight red following a VAR check.
Mamelodi Sundowns' Mokoena made the most of the resulting free-kick to put South Africa 2-0 ahead, sending Hugo Broos' side to the quarter-final round.
Posting on Instagram on Wednesday, the United midfielder insisted he and his teammates had been "desperate" to go all the way in the Ivory Coast, before expressing his gratitude to the team's supporters.
"From the first day we started this adventure, we came here with one goal – to make you happy and proud," he wrote.
"We were desperate to bring the trophy home, because this is what the Moroccan people deserve. In the end, we left our blood, sweat and tears on the field, but it was not our mekteb.
"I want to thank everyone – my teammates and coaches, all the staff who work around the clock for the good of the team. We are one big family and take responsibility in good but especially in the bad moments.
"And finally a word to the fans, thank you for all your support as always. You are without a doubt the best fans in the world, even in defeat you show the love you have for your country and those who represent you. I am lost for words and prouder than ever to be Moroccan.
"Inshallah we will come back from this stronger than ever, Morocco 2025."
The next round of the tournament begins on Friday, with Nigeria taking on Angola in the early game and DR Congo going up against Guinea at 22:00.
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