AFCON: Achraf Hakimi declares himself ready to play for Morocco

Morocco national team defender Achraf Hakimi has declared himself ready to play when the North Africans kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Comoros on Sunday.

The Atlas Lions will kick off the 35th edition of the AFCON on home soil when they take on the Island nation at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. This will be the opening match of the tournament slated to run until January 18.

Walid Regragui × Achraf Hakimi. 🇲🇦🥑

𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗢 𝗡𝗜𝗬𝗔 ! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zCEJKbWkUr

— Actu Foot Maroc (@ActuFootMaroc) December 20, 2025

Morocco, who last won the AFCON in 1976, will be seeking to lay their hands on the coveted trophy on home soil. However, their chances have recived a huge boost after African Footballer of the Year Hakimi confirmed his readiness to play after recovering from an injury.

Hakimi was injured while playing for for Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last November. While his chances were very slim to play, Morocco coach Walid Regragui included him in the final squad for the AFCON.

‘I don’t know when I’ll play, but I feel ready’

“I feel good. I’m following the programme with the doctors and the coach (Walid Regragui). After that, we’ll see what the coach decides. You can ask him,” Hakimi told reporters as quoted by Flashscore.

“I was scared after my injury. I didn’t want to miss this Cup of Nations that we are hosting. I wanted to be there with the team. I don’t know when I’ll play, but I feel ready.”

Speaking on Hakimi’s progress, Regragui, said: “He went above and beyond. His injury wasn’t straightforward. He made some tough decisions for his country.

“As a coach and a Moroccan, I want to thank him in front of everyone. He’s a true role model.”

On whether he will start against Comoros, he said: “Does he start, or do we rest him? We’ll see, that will be my decision. He could ⁠start tomorrow (Sunday)… or not.”

After playing Comoros at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, Morocco, who have been drawn in Group A, will then come up against Mali, before taking on Zambia.