The roar that erupted at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah wasn’t just for another substitution. When Achraf Hakimi stepped onto the pitch in Morocco’s final group match against Zambia, it marked the end of a two-month injury nightmare that had threatened to derail both his season and his nation’s AFCON dreams.
The reigning African Player of the Year had been sidelined since November with an ankle injury that cast doubt over his availability for the tournament. Yet there he was, jogging onto the field as Morocco’s captain, greeted by thunderous applause from a crowd that understood the significance of the moment.
Morocco, hosting AFCON for the first time in nearly two decades, carries the weight of expectation on its shoulders. The Atlas Lions haven’t lifted the continental trophy since 1976, and with home advantage, a golden generation of talent, and Hakimi at the helm, this tournament represents perhaps their best opportunity in decades.
Hakimi’s return couldn’t come at a better time. As Morocco enters the knockout stages, they’ll need their star defender’s pace, technical ability, and leadership. His presence transforms their right flank into an attacking weapon while maintaining defensive solidity. The Paris Saint-Germain star has developed into one of the world’s premier wing-backs, and his understanding with teammates like Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal is crucial to Morocco’s tactical setup.
The timing of his fitness test was strategic. Manager Walid Regragui could have rushed him back earlier, but instead chose patience, allowing Hakimi to build match sharpness gradually. That decision reflects the long-game mentality of a team that’s thinking about the final on February 9th, not just the group stage.
Morocco’s journey through the group stage was professional if not spectacular. They topped their group with clinical efficiency, but the real tests lie ahead. Tanzania awaits in the Round of 16, and while they’re underdogs, AFCON history is littered with host nations stumbling at unexpected moments.
For Hakimi, this tournament represents more than just football. It’s a chance to cement his legacy in African football history and deliver the trophy that has eluded Morocco for nearly five decades. His return isn’t just good news for Morocco—it’s a storyline that will define this tournament. When the knockout rounds begin, all eyes will be on number two in the red and green, wondering if this will finally be Morocco’s year.
