Assahafa.com
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is cleared to feature in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener against Comoros, coach Walid Regragui confirmed at Saturday’s pre-match press conference.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender has recovered from the ankle injury that sidelined him since November 4. Regragui hailed his captain’s dedication while maintaining suspense over the starting lineup.
“I want to thank Hakimi. He has sacrificed himself as no one else could for his country,” Regragui said. “The medical protocol we established after his injury is more than positive. He can play tomorrow… or not.”
The coach continued on Hakimi’s exceptional commitment to recovery. “He has done more than the job required. His injury wasn’t simple. He made strong decisions for his country. As a coach and Moroccan, I want to thank him publicly. He’s a true example.”
The coach stressed squad management considerations for the tournament duration. “Whether he starts or we protect him, that will be my decision. There’s a competition to manage over several weeks.”
Hakimi sustained the ankle sprain during PSG’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich following a tackle from Luis Diaz. The injury raised concerns about his availability for Morocco’s home tournament.
Speaking alongside his coach, Hakimi expressed readiness while prioritizing team success. “I feel ready. I’ve done everything to be here,” he stated. “Whether I play or not, the essential thing is that Morocco wins.”
The 27-year-old captain revealed his initial fears about missing the tournament. “I was scared after my injury. I didn’t want to miss this AFCON at home. I wanted to be there with the group,” Hakimi admitted. “I don’t know when I will play, but I feel ready.”
Hakimi stressed his commitment despite uncertainty over playing time. “I didn’t want to miss this competition. As soon as I got injured, I told the coach I would do everything to play with the group.”
The captain placed collective goals above individual participation. “If I shouldn’t play for the team to win, I would accept that. I think about the collective. If we win without me playing, that’s not a problem.”
Regragui acknowledged the pressure of hosting the continental championship. “Of course, we’re favorites. However, we’re surely the country with the most obligation to win it. We’re expected, we have positive pressure. Any result other than victory would be failure.”
Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa had reassured fans during a live exchange with young people organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication on Friday. “Praise be to God, Achraf Hakimi has fully recovered from his leg injury and is now at full physical fitness,” Lekjaa confirmed.
Regragui had earlier expressed confidence about Hakimi’s tournament participation. “Achraf will play the AFCON, that’s certain,” he told Brut Afrique on Thursday. “We’re very positive about his participation. He will play the AFCON with us, that’s sure.”
The match kicks off at 8 p.m. at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Morocco faces Comoros, Mali, and Zambia in Group A. Stadium doors open at 2 p.m., with the opening ceremony scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Morocco seeks to end a 49-year wait for continental glory, having won their only AFCON title in 1976. The tournament runs until January 18 across six Moroccan cities.
Source: Morocco word news
