Hosts Morocco begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign under huge pressure, with star Achraf Hakimi fit and aiming to end a title drought dating to 1976.
RABAT: Morocco carries a huge weight of expectation into the Africa Cup of Nations as host nation.
The Atlas Lions, Africa’s highest-ranked team at 11th in the world, open the tournament on Sunday against Comoros.
They enter the competition on a world-record run of 18 consecutive victories.
Coach Walid Regragui stated the clear objective is to win the AFCON at home.
“The country that will have the most difficulty winning the AFCON is Morocco, because of the expectation on us,” Regragui warned.
He added that anything other than victory would be considered a failure.
Star right-back Achraf Hakimi has declared himself fit despite an ankle injury in November.
“I feel good,” said the Paris Saint-Germain defender and African Player of the Year.
Hakimi emphasised the team’s success over individual participation.
Morocco last won the continental title in 1976.
They face stiff competition from rivals like Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt and Nigeria.
The tournament is being used to showcase Morocco’s world-class stadiums ahead of co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.
The final will be held at the new 69,000-seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Scheduling has forced this edition to run from December into the New Year.
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe acknowledged the need for better calendar synchronisation.
He announced the Cup of Nations will be played every four years after a planned 2028 edition.
Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, will aim for a record-extending eighth title.
Senegal, the 2022 winner, and runners-up Nigeria are also considered serious contenders.
The opening match kicks off a group stage that includes South Africa versus Angola on Monday.
