Morocco coach compares PSG’s Hakimi to Man Utd’s Mazraoui

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has made comparisons between Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui after Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening match against Comoros.

The Manchester United defender started the game ahead of his Paris Saint-Germain compatriot, who is still recovering from injury.

The benching of the African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi handed Mazraoui the nod to start as a right-back.

The Manchester United defender made the most of the opportunity. He provided an assist for Morocco’s opening goal, which Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz scored early in the second half. The United defender also nearly scored, but Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor produced a wonderful stop.

The AFCON hosts sealed the victory with a second goal, which Ayoub El Kaabi scored spectacularly in the 75th minute at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Regragui: Mazraoui is on the same level as Hakimi

Reflecting on the match, Regragui admitted that they missed the services of the PSG star while also giving credit to Mazraoui

“Without Hakimi we could have done better, but Mazraoui is fantastic,” Regragui told ESPN. “I place him in the hierarchy as strong as Achraf, even if he has different qualities.”

Is Hakimi available for the next game?

The coach hinted that the United defender is likely to feature again in the starting line-up when Morocco face Mali on Boxing Day.

“There’s no question at the moment, because Hakimi isn’t ready to return, so both of them will play again. We can continue with a left-footer on the left side and a right-footer on the right,” he added.

“I have three super full-backs; Salah-Eddine has gone up a level and is a great left-back, Mazraoui is one of the best technically in his position. Sometimes we’ll be without Achraf, sometimes without Mazraoui, sometimes without Salah-Eddine.

“I don’t have any doubts or worries. In the past, without Achraf, we would have been in trouble, but now we have options. One thing is certain, however, Hakimi will play [some part in the tournament].”

Morocco’s next game in the group will be against Zambia on 29 December.