Morocco’s National Coach Confirms Recovery Plan for Achraf Hakimi
On Friday, in Salé, the national coach of Morocco, Walid Regragui, made a public statement regarding the recovery of one of the country’s most prominent players, Achraf Hakimi. He emphasized that the best possible recovery protocol will be implemented to ensure that Hakimi is fully fit and ready for Morocco’s opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is scheduled for December 21 in Rabat.
Regragui expressed confidence in the collaboration between the Moroccan Football Federation and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). “We have a great relationship with PSG, and we’ll put in place the best possible plan to make sure Achraf is back at 100% against Comoros,” he said during a press conference where the 26-player squad for the upcoming friendlies was unveiled.
The coach also highlighted the importance of Hakimi to the team both on and off the pitch. “For Moroccans, Hakimi is the best player in the world. We know how important he is, on and off the pitch. We’ll stand by him and do everything we can to get him back with us as soon as possible,” he added.
Focus on Team Cohesion Without Hakimi
Despite the absence of Hakimi, Regragui assured fans that the team has managed well in their recent matches. “We played four of our last matches without Achraf, and we’ve managed. Noussair Mazraoui is his natural replacement; it’s up to him now to show his talent, and we hope he’ll rise to the occasion,” he continued.
Hakimi suffered a severe ankle sprain during a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Tuesday, following a strong tackle from Colombian forward Luis Díaz. As a result, the PSG right-back will be sidelined for several weeks, which means he will not be available for the upcoming friendly matches against Mozambique and Uganda.
Preparations for AFCON 2025
The Atlas Lions are set to face Mozambique and Uganda in friendly matches on November 14 and 18 at Tangier’s Grand Stadium, starting at 8:00 PM. These matches are part of the team’s broader preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted in Morocco.
While the focus remains on Hakimi’s recovery, the coaching staff is also looking to build team cohesion and test new strategies ahead of the tournament. The inclusion of players like Noussair Mazraoui in the squad reflects the team’s ability to adapt and remain competitive even in the absence of key figures.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to the 2025 AFCON begins, the Moroccan national team is working diligently to ensure they are in the best possible shape for the challenges ahead. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, the team is determined to make a strong showing in their home tournament.
The support from the fans and the commitment of the coaching staff will play a crucial role in the team’s success. For now, the focus is on Hakimi’s recovery and the development of the squad as they prepare for what promises to be an exciting and challenging competition.