Achraf Hakimi will finally make his Africa Cup of Nations bow in Morocco’s crucial final group game against Zambia on Tuesday, with coach Walid Regragui hailing the defender’s “extraordinary” efforts to recover from injury.
The Paris Saint Germain star, who hasn’t played since early November due to an ankle problem, was an unused substitute in the Atlas Lions’ opening two matches. But Regragui confirmed at Sunday’s press conference in Rabat that the wait is over. “What he has done to come back is extraordinary. What I can say is that Achraf will play tomorrow,” said the boss. “Whether he starts or not it will be his first match at the AFCON.”
Regragui stressed the need to manage his key man carefully with an eye on a deep tournament run. “What we want because we want to go as far as possible, is that Achraf progresses with the team and that we can keep him for the whole competition.”
Morocco sits top of Group F with four points after beating Comoros 2-0 and a frustrating 1-1 draw with Mali, a match where sections of the home crowd turned on the team. Hakimi’s return is a massive lift, with his manager leaving little doubt about his importance. “I think people don’t realise what Achraf brings,” Regragui added. “We have played two games without our best player, our leader and captain… But would we be a different team with Achraf? Of course. He is the best player in Africa, one of the best in the world.”
The full back himself admitted his frustration at being sidelined and addressed the jeers from Moroccan fans. “It is not normal for them to boo us,” Hakimi said. “We want to have the supporters behind us.” He drew parallels with his club success, stating: “I experienced that at PSG when we were not winning in the Champions League… but we went on to be champions of Europe. If the fans are behind us we can be champions of Africa together.”
In a lighter moment, Hakimi also revealed his delight at seeing friend and former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappé, now of Real Madrid, in the stands for the Mali match. “He really likes Morocco and comes here whenever he can with his family,” he smiled. “He loves the food here!”
A win against Zambia secures top spot in the group and a theoretically easier last 16 tie, while a draw also sees them through. With Hakimi back in the fold, Morocco’s quest to finally lift the AFCON trophy feels like it’s properly beginning.
