Hakimi Boost For Morocco Ahead Of AFCON Title Bid

Moroccan football fans are celebrating after a social media picture showed star defender Achraf Hakimi without his surgical boot, indicating a strong recovery ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which Morocco is hosting.

The Paris Saint-Germain player sustained a badly sprained left ankle in November but is now reportedly continuing his rehabilitation in Rabat with PSG medical staff.

Hakimi, considered one of the world’s best right-backs, is crucial to Morocco’s hopes of ending a five-decade AFCON title drought. Coach Walid Regragui has stated he won’t risk Hakimi, potentially meaning he could miss the group stage matches against Comoros, Mali, and Zambia.

Hakimi, included in the 2025 FIFA Best XI this week, was the victim of a reckless tackle by Luis Diaz during a UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich in Paris during November.

While Diaz was red-carded, Hakimi left the field with a badly sprained left ankle, casting immediate doubts on whether he would be available for the AFCON.

The hosts face Comoros in the opening match on Sunday, then Mali on 26 December and Zambia three days later. All the matches will be at the 68 000-seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.