Regragui confident Morocco star Achraf Hakimi will be fit for AFCON

Morocco national team head coach Walid Regragui has revealed that defender Achraf Hakimi will be available for their opening fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated to kick off in December.

The African Player of the Year has been sidelined with an injury sustained while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in a Champions League game against Bayern Munich which the French champions lost 2-1.

Despite the injury condition, Regragui has come out to explain that Hakimi, who is widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, will be available to face Comoros in their AFCON opener in the North Africa nation.

Morocco will host the 35th edition of the tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The Atlas Lions have been drawn in Group A alongside Comoros, Mali, and Zambia.

Hakimi has not stopped working since his injury

“Hakimi’s condition is good. He is doing everything required and has shown great commitment. He has not stopped working since his injury. He is a leader, and we hope he will be ready for the first game,” Regragui told French outlet RMC.

In October 2025, Hakimi’s Morocco broke the world record for the longest winning streak in international football, surpassing Spain’s previous mark of 15 consecutive victories.

With a 1–0 win over Congo in Rabat, they extended their unbeaten run to 16 in all competitions, including World Cup qualifiers and friendlies.

Hakimi has captained the team since the end of 2024 due to the absence of Hakim Ziyech. After facing Comoros in the opener, Morocco will then tackle Mali and wind up their preliminary matches against Zambia on December 29.