Les GoneX Times

If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve likely seen the bombshell: Achraf Hakimi has reportedly rejected the 2025 AFCON trophy, claiming his mother told him to give it back to Senegal. It’s a beautiful story of sportsmanship and "mama’s boy" integrity. There’s just one problem: It never happened. THE VIRAL CLAIM  Multiple viral posts—some even mimicking the branding of Fabrizio Romano or Marca—claim that the Moroccan captain went public to refuse the title. The posts quote him saying: "My mum told me to reject the AFCON trophy... Senegal beat us fairly on the pitch."  When "Verified" Sources Fall for Fake News What makes this hoax particularly dangerous is that it didn't just stay in the dark corners of the internet. Several notable news agencies, including ZBC News Online, fell for the bulletin and reported it as fact on their official X (formerly Twitter) handles. By sharing the fabricated quotes to their massive audienc...

In an era where misinformation spreads faster than truth, national broadcasters have a duty to uphold credibility. Sadly, ZBC News Online has once again shown how careless reporting can tarnish the image of Zimbabwean journalism. Their recent post claiming that Morocco’s captain Achraf Hakimi rejected the AFCON title is a textbook case of amplifying fake news without verification.   The post, lifted from questionable sources, alleges that Hakimi publicly disowned Morocco’s AFCON victory and backed Senegal as “true champions.” Yet, no credible outlet, no official CAF statement, and no verified interview supports this claim. It is pure fabrication—designed to stir controversy and clicks.   When national outlets publish unverified stories, they erode public trust. Zimbabwean journalism becomes a laughingstock when our platforms echo fake agencies. Journalists are supposed to protect the truth, not chase sensational headlines. This is not just about one post—it reflects ...