Hakimi Set To Feature In Morocco’s Final AFCON Group Match Today

Achraf Hakimi, the African Player of the Year, is set to make his highly anticipated debut at the Africa Cup of Nations when hosts Morocco face Zambia on Monday, as confirmed by coach Walid Regragui.

“What he has accomplished to return is extraordinary. I can assure you that Achraf will play tomorrow,” Regragui stated on Sunday in Rabat, just ahead of Morocco’s final group match. “Whether he starts or not, it will be his first outing in this tournament.”

Regragui expressed his hopes that Hakimi will progress with the team throughout the competition, emphasising the importance of keeping him fit. Hakimi has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury while playing for Paris Saint-Germain at the beginning of November and has remained an unused substitute in Morocco’s first two matches at the Cup of Nations.

Without him, Morocco secured a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the tournament’s opener but were held to a 1-1 draw by Mali on Friday. Currently, they top Group A with four points from two matches, and a win against Zambia will ensure they advance to the knockout stage as group leaders. A draw will also guarantee their progression.

“I believe people underestimate what Achraf brings to our team,” Regragui added. “We have played two matches without our best player, our leader and captain, yet we have not faltered. Other players have stepped up in his absence. However, would we be a different team with Achraf? Absolutely. He is the best player in Africa and one of the finest in the world.”