JAKARTA - Achraf Hakimi did not play for Morocco in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) against Comoros on Monday, December 22, 2025, early morning WIB.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender is still recovering from an injury. Hakimi has been sidelined for about seven weeks before his country's first match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Many have talked about Hakimi's chances of returning to play against Comoros, but in fact he remained on the bench.
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui does feel his captain's loss. Fortunately, he still has Noussair Mazraoui.
Interestingly, the Manchester United player who replaced Hakimi's position performed well in Morocco's 2-0 victory over Comoros. Mazraoui provided an assist for the opening goal from Brahim Diaz in the 55th minute.
"Without Hakimi, we could play better, but Mazraoui is fantastic. I put him in the same hierarchy as Achraf even though he has different qualities."
"We still need Hakimi. He is one of the best players in Africa and in the world. There is no team in the world that can't play without their best player."
"This style of play is actually suitable for Hakimi, he will help us in the wing area," said Regragui as reported by ESPN.
The 27-year-old has not played since suffering a serious left ankle injury during Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League match against Bayern Munich on November 5, 2025.
He was forced to undergo an intensive rehabilitation program in recent weeks in order to be able to play in the 2025 African Cup of Nations, which Morocco is hosting.
Regragui is clearly waiting for Hakimi's return. However, he does not want to rush which is a risk for the 2025 African Best Player.
"We are not taking any risks (to play him). He came back sooner than planned, but we are careful because we want him back for this tournament, not just for 20 minutes or for one game."
"We will see in 48 hours how he is and whether he will play against Mali or not. Whether he will play or not, we will have to see later, but we know he will play in this Afcon. We are waiting patiently," said Regragui.
When Hakimi is back in top physical condition, Regragui may have to make some difficult decisions after the outstanding performance of Mazraoui and left-back Anass Salah-Eddine, who provided an assist for the second goal through Ayoub El Kaabi's incredible 16-minute overhead kick before the end of the game.
Among them, the two created four goal-scoring opportunities during the match. While the speed and movement of Salah-Eddine without the ball created a consistent problem for Komoro.
"At the moment there is no doubt. Because Hakimi is not ready to return, so (against Mali) both (Mazraoui and Salah-Eddine) will play again."
"We can continue with a left foot player on the left side and a right foot player on the right side. I have three super wingbacks."
"Salah-Eddine has improved his level and is a great left-back, Mazraoui is one of the best technically in his position."
"Sometimes we will play without Achraf, sometimes without Mazraoui, sometimes without Salah-Eddine. I have no doubts or worries. In the past, without Achraf, we would have trouble, but now we have options. However, one thing is for sure, Hakimi will play (in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations)," said Regragui.
Meanwhile, Mazraoui's arrival at the camp last weekend was overshadowed by the tug-of-war between clubs and countries, between Manchester United and Morocco.
Manchester United were desperate for the 28-year-old to play against Bournemouth earlier last week, which ended in a 4-4 draw.
Mazraoui finally joined the camp ahead of the match. Manchester United raised this issue with FIFA, which eventually sided with Morocco.
Morocco's campaign in Group A continues with a match against Mali in Rabat on December 26, 2025, before they conclude the group stage against Zambia at the same venue three days later.
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