Hakimi Boost as Morocco Eye End to AFCON Title Drought

Moroccan football fans received a major boost this week as Achraf Hakimi was spotted in Rabat without a protective boot, raising hopes of his availability ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Morocco hosts starting Sunday.

A casual social media photo of the Paris Saint-Germain star quickly went viral, not because of his outfit, but because his left ankle showed no sign of the surgical boot he wore last month. The image sparked optimism across the country as supporters dream of ending a 49-year AFCON title drought.

Injury Recovery Lifts Moroccan Hopes

Hakimi, 27, had suffered a badly sprained ankle after a reckless challenge by Luis Díaz during a UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich in November. Although Díaz was sent off, Hakimi was forced off the pitch, casting serious doubt over his AFCON participation.

The severity of the injury was evident when Hakimi struggled to walk while collecting his African Player of the Year award in Rabat last month. However, his recent appearance without protective gear suggests his recovery is progressing well.

Included in the 2025 FIFA Best XI, Hakimi remains one of the world’s best right-backs and is central to Morocco’s ambitions.

Careful Approach From Coaching Staff

Hakimi has reportedly arrived in Morocco accompanied by a PSG doctor and physiotherapist, continuing his rehabilitation under close supervision. There is hope he could begin light training later this week.

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has stressed that no risks will be taken with his captain, even if that means missing the entire group stage.

“He is our leader, our captain,” Regragui said.

Morocco open their AFCON campaign against Comoros on Sunday, followed by matches against Mali on December 26 and Zambia on December 29. All group matches will be played at the 68,000-seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Title Dreams and Historic Pressure

Ranked Africa’s No. 1 team since their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, Morocco enter the tournament as favourites once again.

Yet their AFCON record since winning the tournament in 1976 has been underwhelming. They have reached only one final since then, losing to Tunisia in 2004. Last year, despite high expectations, they were eliminated by South Africa in the round of 16.

Morocco’s current form is formidable. They arrive at AFCON on a world-record 18-match winning streak, having surpassed Spain’s previous record in October and followed it with victories over Mozambique and Uganda.

Home Advantage, But No Guarantees

While Morocco enjoy passionate home support, hosting AFCON does not guarantee success. Since 2000, only three host nations — Tunisia, Egypt (2006), and Ivory Coast (2024) — have lifted the trophy.

Still, Morocco’s chances of becoming the fourth successful host this century would be significantly strengthened if Hakimi returns in time to lead the Atlas Lions into the knockout rounds, expected to begin on January 3.