Morocco coach Walid Regragui has confirmed that captain and African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi will make his long-awaited Africa Cup of Nations debut in the host nation's final Group A match against Zambia on Monday. Hakimi, who has not played since early November due to an ankle injury, was an unused substitute in Morocco's opening victories.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui has confirmed that captain and African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi will make his long-awaited Africa Cup of Nations debut in the host nation's final Group A match against Zambia on Monday. Hakimi, who has not played since early November due to an ankle injury, was an unused substitute in Morocco's opening victories.
"What he has done to come back is extraordinary. What I can say is that Achraf will play tomorrow," Regragui stated on Sunday, emphasizing the full-back's importance. "We want to go as far as possible... and keep him for the whole competition." The coach acknowledged the team's resilience in earning four points without their "best player and leader," but asserted the squad would be transformed by his return.
Hakimi, addressing the media, expressed frustration at his absence and disappointment with Moroccan fans who jeered the team during a 1-1 draw with Mali. "It is not normal for them to boo us," he said, drawing a parallel to his Champions League-winning campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. He urged for unity, stating, "If the fans are behind us we can be champions of Africa together." The defender also shared his delight at seeing friend and former teammate Kylian Mbappé, now of Real Madrid, supporting in the stands during the Mali match.
With Morocco needing only a draw against Zambia to guarantee advancement to the last 16, Hakimi's return provides a timely boost as the Atlas Lions aim to secure top spot in Group A and build momentum for the knockout stages.
