Rabat, Morocco – The Africa Cup of Nations began on Sunday with host nation Morocco securing a 2-0 victory over Comoros, but the win was tempered by continued caution surrounding the fitness of star player Achraf Hakimi. Morocco coach Walid Regragui indicated he would continue to manage Hakimi’s return from an ankle injury carefully throughout the tournament, keeping the Paris Saint-Germain full-back on the bench for the opening match despite initial indications of potential availability.
The match, played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, saw Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi score in the second half to secure the win. However, the focus post-game remained on Hakimi’s status, as Morocco aims to capitalize on their impressive form and a record-breaking winning streak.
Morocco’s Hakimi Recovery Remains a Key Focus at AFCON
Hakimi has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during Champions League play with PSG on November 4th. Regragui emphasized the importance of not rushing his captain back into action, stating that “We need Hakimi because he is the best player in Africa and one of the best in the world.”
Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United started in Hakimi’s place at right-back and provided an assist for Diaz’s goal. This highlights the depth within the Morocco squad, allowing Regragui options even with key players unavailable. The coach acknowledged Mazraoui’s strong performance, noting his different, but valuable, qualities.
Penalty Miss and Winning Streak
Despite the victory, Morocco weren’t without their struggles. Soufiane Rahimi missed an early penalty, preventing the hosts from taking an immediate lead. This proved not to be decisive, as the team extended its world-record winning run to 19 consecutive matches.
Regragui downplayed the significance of the streak, affirming, “It is a good start to the competition for us, although we are not getting carried away.” He acknowledged that upcoming matches will present different challenges.
Comoros, considered a significant underdog, provided a spirited defense and organized tactical approach, as noted by their coach, Stefano Cusin. Cusin expressed pride in his team’s performance against the top-ranked nation in Africa, admitting the clear difference in quality but emphasizing a positive impression was made.
Morocco’s next match is against Mali on Friday, also in Rabat. Regragui anticipates a tougher contest against Mali, expecting less possession and a more intense battle. The coach indicated a decision on Hakimi’s involvement will be made after evaluating his condition over the next 48 hours, and stressed his conviction that Hakimi will play at some point during the AFCON tournament.
The opening win positions Morocco favorably in Group A, but their campaign hinges on the full recovery and effective integration of key players like Hakimi. This will be crucial as they navigate the group stage and progress towards the knockout rounds of the continental tournament.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Hakimi’s training sessions and any official updates from the Morocco camp. Whether he features against Mali and, more importantly, how fully he recovers will be instrumental in determining the team’s overall success in the football competition. The performances of other squad members, such as Mazraoui, will also be closely watched as Regragui attempts to balance managing player fitness with maintaining a winning momentum.
