Hakimi Fitness Boost Lifts Morocco’s AFCON Title Hopes

A single social media image of Achraf Hakimi in Rabat this week delivered a wave of optimism among Moroccan football fans as the country prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from Sunday. The Paris Saint-Germain defender appeared relaxed and mobile, and most importantly without the surgical boot that had raised serious doubts about his availability for the tournament.

Hakimi, 27, had been sidelined after suffering a badly sprained left ankle in November during a UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich in Paris. The injury was caused by a reckless tackle from Luis Diaz, who was sent off. Hakimi was forced off the pitch and later appeared at the Confederation of African Football awards ceremony in Rabat struggling to walk, highlighting the severity of the setback.

His recovery matters deeply to Morocco. Widely regarded as one of the best right backs in world football, Hakimi is central to the Atlas Lions’ ambitions to end a near five decade wait for a second AFCON title. Morocco last lifted the trophy in 1976, and despite their growing global reputation, success at the continental level has remained elusive.

The defender, who was named in the 2025 FIFA Best XI this week, has arrived in Morocco accompanied by a PSG doctor and physiotherapist. He is continuing his rehabilitation locally, with hope that he could resume training later this week. Speculation remains intense around when he might return to competitive action.

When could Hakimi return for Morocco at AFCON?

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has been clear that caution will guide every decision involving his captain. He has indicated that he does not want to take any risks, even if that means Hakimi missing the entire group stage. Morocco open their campaign against Comoros on Sunday before facing Mali on December 26 and Zambia three days later. All three matches will be played at the 68,000 seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

While Mali are expected to present the toughest test, Morocco are widely tipped to finish among the top two in the group and secure automatic qualification for the knockout rounds. The round of 16 begins on January 3, a stage many believe could mark Hakimi’s return.

Regragui has underlined the importance of his captain, saying, “He is our leader, our captain.” The statement reflects Hakimi’s influence both tactically and emotionally within a squad that has grown in confidence since its historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi finals in Qatar.

Why Morocco remain AFCON favourites despite past setbacks

Morocco enter the tournament in outstanding form, having won a world record 18 consecutive matches across competitive and friendly fixtures. They broke Spain’s previous record in October by defeating Congo Brazzaville in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, then followed up with wins over Mozambique and Uganda in AFCON warm up matches.

Despite this momentum, history offers a note of caution. Since winning AFCON in 1976, Morocco have reached only one final, losing 2 1 to Tunisia in 2004, with Regragui himself playing at right back. At the last AFCON, they arrived as favourites but were eliminated by South Africa in the round of 16.

Hosting the tournament adds both opportunity and pressure. Only three host nations have won AFCON since 2000, Tunisia, Egypt in 2006, and Ivory Coast last year. Morocco’s passionate supporters will play their part, but home advantage alone guarantees nothing.

If Hakimi regains full fitness and leads the Atlas Lions onto the pitch, Morocco’s chances of finally ending their AFCON title drought will rise significantly. His return could be the decisive factor in turning belief into silverware.

By Yockshard Enyendi