Morocco coach confirms Achraf Hakimi will play against Zambia in his first AFCON appearance, as hosts aim to secure top spot in Group A.
RABAT: Morocco coach Walid Regragui has confirmed Achraf Hakimi (pic) will make his first Africa Cup of Nations appearance against Zambia on Monday.
The African Player of the Year has been sidelined with an ankle injury since early November and was an unused substitute in Morocco’s first two matches.
“What he has done to come back is extraordinary,” Regragui said on Sunday. “What I can say is that Achraf will play tomorrow.”
Regragui added that Hakimi’s integration is crucial for Morocco’s ambitions to progress deep into the tournament.
The hosts top Group A with four points after beating Comoros 2-0 and drawing 1-1 with Mali.
A win against Zambia would secure first place in the group, while a draw also guarantees progression to the knockout stage.
“I think people don’t realise what Achraf brings to our team,” Regragui stated. “We have played two games without our best player, our leader and captain.”
Hakimi expressed frustration at missing the opening matches and disappointment at being jeered by home fans during the Mali draw.
“It is not normal for them to boo us,” the defender said. “We want to have the supporters behind us.”
He drew parallels with his experience at Paris Saint-Germain, where fan support was crucial to their eventual UEFA Champions League triumph.
Hakimi also noted his delight at seeing friend and former teammate Kylian Mbappé in the crowd for the Mali match.
