AFCON: Hosts Morocco reveal squad, Hakimi included

Despite an ankle injury, Achraf Hakimi was among the names as hosts Morocco released their final squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday.

 

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The Paris Saint-Germain fullback headlines the list for a team that is eager to capture the North African nation’s first continental title since the 1976 edition. The 2022 World Cup semifinalists have consistently performed below expectations at the AFCON in recent times but the 2025 edition presents an excellent opportunity to end their drought.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, captain and defender Romain Saiss and Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz are among the inclusions in a star-studded group. Rising talents such as Sunderland attacker Chemsdine Talbi, playmaker Bilal El Khannouss and PSV Eindhoven star Ismael Saibari will also have a chance to impress in Africa’s showcase competition.

Ayoub El Kaabi, Soufiane Rahimi and Youssef En-Nesyri will be the options at the striker position. Abde Ezzalzouli, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Ilias Akhomach are other attackers who are exciting options for head coach Walid Regragui.

The Atlas Lions will begin play in Group A on December 21 against Comoros. Mali and Zambia are the other teams in the group, leaving the North African hosts as clear favorites to advance before expectations increase in the knockout stages.