Achraf Hakimi prepares for his return as Morocco face Zambia in the final Group A match of AFCON 2025 in Rabat. Photo Credit: FRMF
Morocco face Zambia this Monday evening in Rabat for their third Group A match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ahead of the encounter, the Atlas Lions have expressed their gratitude to Paris Saint-Germain as captain Achraf Hakimi prepares to return to action, 55 days after his injury against Bayern Munich.
Achraf Hakimi nearing full recovery
Achraf Hakimi is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The Moroccan right-back suffered a serious left ankle sprain on November 4 during PSG’s clash with Bayern Munich and has been sidelined ever since. This Monday against Zambia, he is set to make his long-awaited return to competitive action.
Hakimi could have featured in Friday’s draw against Mali (1–1), but head coach Walid Regragui opted for caution.
“He was ready to come on for about ten minutes, but given the intensity, the context and the scoreline, we decided not to take any risks,” Regragui explained after the match. “For the third game, there’s a good chance we’ll see Achraf start or come on to get the engine running.”
Morocco aiming to finish top of Group A
With four points from two matches, Morocco currently sit at the top of Group A and are close to securing qualification for the round of 16. However, the Atlas Lions are determined to defeat Zambia, who have two points, in order to finish first in the group, silence critics and remain based in Rabat for the knockout phase.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Sunday, Hakimi reassured supporters about his physical condition.
“I feel good,” said the African Ballon d’Or winner. “With the coach and the medical staff, we followed a clear program. I wasn’t at 100% against Mali, but I was available to help the team. The most important thing isn’t me, it’s the team. Now I feel much better. If the coach needs me, I’m ready. If not, I’ll support the team from the bench. The goal is to win the AFCON.”
Regragui confirms Hakimi will play
Moments later, Walid Regragui confirmed that his captain will feature against Zambia, marking his first appearance of the tournament.
“What Achraf has done in terms of leadership and recovery is extraordinary,” said the coach. “We’re managing him carefully. What’s certain is that he will play tomorrow. Whether he starts or not, that’s a choice we’ll make. The plan was always to have Achraf progress gradually with the group and keep him available for the entire competition. So far, everything is going according to plan.”
Special thanks to PSG
Regragui also took the opportunity to publicly thank Paris Saint-Germain for their cooperation during Hakimi’s rehabilitation.
“I want to thank PSG, the club and their president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi,” he said. “They allowed Achraf to join us nearly two weeks early. Very few clubs would do that. It shows the trust they have in our medical staff, including Dr. Baudot, one of the best sports doctors in the world. If Achraf is back today, it’s also thanks to PSG’s cooperation.”
All eyes will now be on Rabat as Hakimi prepares to lead Morocco once again, with the Atlas Lions aiming to close the group stage in style.
