- Achraf Hakimi cleared to play his first AFCON match on Monday.
- The Moroccan captain had been sidelined by an ankle injury.
- Coach Regragui confirms his return, but keeps his starting role unclear.
- Morocco tops Group A with four points from two matches.
African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi is set to make his long-awaited debut at the Africa Cup of Nations when Morocco takes on Zambia on Monday. Head coach Walid Regragui confirmed the news, ending weeks of uncertainty around the defender’s fitness.
Hakimi has not featured so far in the tournament after picking up an ankle injury while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in early November.
The 26-year-old was named on the bench in Morocco’s first two Group A matches but did not play as the medical team opted for a cautious recovery plan.
Speaking on Sunday in Rabat, Regragui said the decision to bring Hakimi back followed intense effort and close monitoring from the technical and medical teams.
He confirmed the right back will play against Zambia, but did not reveal whether he will start or come off the bench.
The Atlas Lions began their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Comoros before settling for a 1-1 draw against Mali.
Those results leave Morocco top of Group A with four points. A win over Zambia would seal first place, while even a draw would be enough to confirm qualification for the knockout stages.
Regragui admitted that the team managed well without Hakimi but stressed that his presence changes everything.
He described the PSG star as Morocco’s leader and the best player on the continent, saying his influence is felt both on and off the pitch.
Hakimi said watching from the sidelines had been frustrating for him. He also addressed the home fans who booed the team during the draw with Mali.
The defender urged supporters to remain calm and united, reminding them that success requires patience.
Drawing from his experience in Paris, Hakimi said teams achieve greatness when fans stand by them during tough moments.
He expressed hope that Moroccan supporters will fully back the squad as they push for AFCON glory on home soil.
