Hakimi declared fit as Morocco's AFCON campaign begins

Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi has been declared fit for the Africa Cup of Nations, providing a major boost for the host nation ahead of their tournament opener. Both the player and coach Walid Regragui confirmed the defender's recovery from an ankle injury on Saturday, just a day before Morocco faces Comoros.

Hakimi, the current African Footballer of the Year, suffered the injury in a reckless tackle from Bayern Munich's Luis Díaz during a Champions League match in November and has not played since. Coach Regragui praised Hakimi's dedication, stating, "He sacrificed himself for the past four or five weeks like no one else could have for his country." While the PSG star is unlikely to start the opening match, Regragui confirmed he is available if needed, leaving the final decision for match day.

High stakes for host nation and its leader

Morocco enters the tournament under immense pressure to win only its second AFCON title, the first coming in 1976. Expectations have soared since the team's historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022. The nation's significant investment in football infrastructure, overseen by federation president and government minister Fouzi Lekjaa, is part of a broader ambition to become a global football power, especially as a co-host of the 2030 World Cup.

This context raises the stakes considerably for Regragui and his squad. Another disappointing campaign—like their round-of-16 exit in the last AFCON, where Hakimi missed a crucial penalty—could jeopardize the coach's job just months before the 2026 World Cup. Regragui acknowledged the dual focus, stating they are working to win now while also building "a top-notch team" for the future. With the portrait of King Mohammed VI overseeing their press conference, the message was clear: the team is performing for a nation with soaring ambitions.