Achraf Hakimi Returns To Morocco Training A Day Ahead Of AFCON Opener

Last Updated:December 21, 2025, 15:40 IST

Hakimi, who picked up an ankle sprain early in November, got back to training just in time as Morocco gear up to host the AFCON on home soil.

Achraf Hakimi. (X)

Morocco star player Achraf Hakimi returned to training with the national team less than 24 hours before the Atlas Lions’ opening game of the African Cup of Nations against Comoros.

Hakimi, who picked up an ankle sprain early in November, got back to training just in time as  Morocco are set to host the AFCON on home soil with an eye on the biggest prize in the continent.

Hakimi has been a crucial player for Morocco, who made history at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar by reaching the semi-finals, the furthest an African nation has ever gone in the tournament.

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui lauded Hakimi’s dedication and sacrifice to be available for the tournament stating, “I want to say thank you to Hakimi, he sacrificed himself like no one else for his country. He is an example."

“The protocol is more than positive. But there is a competition to manage," he added.

Former AFCON champions Morocco, currently enjoying an impressive 18-game unbeaten streak, aim to add another trophy to their collection as they welcome 23 other teams to their country.

“We have to win the Cup of Nations," Regragui declared a month ago.

“At home, we’ll be tough to play against, we’ve proven that. We’ve progressed and rejuvenated the team," he added.

Regragui, who led Morocco’s remarkable run at the Qatar World Cup, surpassed the achievements of other African nations such as Ghana, Cameroon, and Senegal, who had all reached the quarterfinals. In the previous edition of the AFCON, Morocco only managed to reach the Round of 16 before being eliminated by South Africa a couple of years ago.

Morocco, boasting a strong squad with players in top leagues including the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and Serie A, have also integrated new talents seamlessly.

“We’ve integrated young players while maintaining our core strengths. We are coming into this tournament with confidence, but nothing is guaranteed."

“The pressure and the responsibility are enormous. It is a truly passionate country. And when we talk about passion, there are emotions that become hard to manage."

“The public has been waiting for so long that they cannot stop thinking about it. As a coach, you understand the responsibility. Every day, in the street, wherever we are in Morocco, there isn’t a single person who doesn’t tell me that we absolutely must win it."

“I see it as a great opportunity for me and for my players to enter history. It motivates me, it challenges me, it keeps me focused on every detail."

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