Morocco’s national team coach, Walid Regragui, has confirmed that captain Achraf Hakimi is medically fit for the Africa Cup of Nations but remains undecided on starting the star defender in the host nation’s crucial opening match. The announcement, made during a press conference in Rabat on Saturday, provides both relief and strategic suspense for a nation hoping to win its first AFCON title in nearly five decades.
Hakimi, the reigning African Footballer of the Year and a pivotal figure for both Paris Saint-Germain and the Atlas Lions, has not played a competitive match since sustaining a severe left ankle sprain on November 4. The injury, suffered during a UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, saw the 27-year-old leave the pitch in visible distress, sparking immediate concerns over his participation in the continental showpiece.
“He is able to start, but he might not start,” Regragui told reporters, according to an AFP report from the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. “I still have another night to sleep and decide whether he starts or whether we protect him and see how it goes for the remaining games.” The coach revealed the meticulous recovery process Hakimi underwent, stating, “He has made sacrifices over the last four or five weeks that nobody else could have made.”
The player himself addressed the media, signalling his readiness. “I feel good. I am following the programme given to me by the medical staff and the coach,” Hakimi said. His return to full training in the days leading up to the tournament had already boosted Moroccan morale, but Regragui’s caution underscores the long-term strategy for a competition that concludes with the final on January 18, 2026.
Medical and sports performance analysts note that while a player may be declared fit, match sharpness and the risk of re-injury are critical considerations, especially in the high-stakes environment of a tournament opener. A severe sprain, as diagnosed by PSG’s medical team, typically involves a recovery protocol focusing on stability, strength, and proprioception before a full return to contact sport.
Morocco begins its campaign on Sunday against Comoros in Group A, a fixture where they are heavily favoured. This likely factors into Regragui’s calculation, potentially allowing him to bench Hakimi for a less demanding start or introduce him gradually. The group also includes Mali and Zambia, presenting progressively tougher challenges where Hakimi’s world-class defending and offensive thrust from right-back would be indispensable.
The host nation’s ambitions are immense. Having captivated the football world with a historic semi-final run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Atlas Lions are now under immense pressure to deliver a second AFCON trophy on home soil. Hakimi’s role is not just tactical but symbolic; as captain and the team’s most recognisable global star, his presence galvanises both the squad and an expectant nation.
Regragui’s decision will be one of the most scrutinised of the tournament’s early stages. Opting to start Hakimi could provide an immediate psychological boost and settle early nerves. Conversely, a cautious approach prioritises the player’s long-term availability for the knockout stages, where Morocco’s title aspirations will truly be tested.