Morocco's star defender Achraf Hakimi is finally set to make his first appearance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The African Player of the Year will feature in the host nation's crucial final Group A match against Zambia on Monday.
Regragui Confirms Hakimi's Long-Awaited Return
Head coach Walid Regragui made the exciting announcement during a press conference in Rabat on Sunday. The manager confirmed that Hakimi, who has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained in early November while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, will definitely play a part in the game. "What he has done to come back is extraordinary," Regragui stated. "What I can say is that Achraf will play tomorrow. Whether he starts or not, it will be his first match at the AFCON."
The coach emphasized the strategic importance of managing Hakimi's fitness for the entire tournament. "What we want — because we want to go as far as possible — is that Achraf progresses with the team and that we can keep him for the whole competition," he explained.
Morocco's Path to the Knockout Stages
Despite missing their captain and best player, the Atlas Lions have navigated the group stage successfully so far. They opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Comoros before being held to a 1-1 draw by Mali on Friday. These results leave Morocco top of Group A with four points from their two outings.
The equation for Monday is straightforward: a win against Zambia will see Morocco advance to the Round of 16 as group winners. Even a draw will be enough to secure their spot in the knockout phase of the tournament they are hosting.
Hakimi's Impact and Message to Fans
Regragui did not understate Hakimi's value to the squad, calling him the best player in Africa and one of the best in the world. "I think people don't realise what Achraf brings to our team," the coach added. "We have played two games without our best player, our leader and captain, but we have not hidden. Other players have stood in for him. But would we be a different team with Achraf? Of course."
Hakimi himself admitted his frustration at missing the first two matches. He also expressed disappointment that sections of the Moroccan crowd jeered the team during the draw with Mali. "It is not normal for them to boo us. We want to have the supporters behind us," said the Champions League winner.
Drawing a parallel with his experience at PSG, Hakimi urged for unity. "I experienced that at Paris Saint-Germain when we were not winning in the Champions League... but we went on to be champions of Europe. If the fans are behind us we can be champions of Africa together."
In a lighter moment, Hakimi revealed he was delighted to see his friend and former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappé, now of Real Madrid, in the stands for the Mali game. "It is really nice to see my friend here in my country. He really likes Morocco and comes here whenever he can with his family. He loves the food here!" Hakimi said with a smile.
All eyes will now be on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat as Morocco, bolstered by the return of their talisman, aim to secure top spot in Group A and build momentum for a deep run in their home AFCON.
