Home SPORTS Morocco's Atlas Lions Gear Up for AFCON 2025 with Hakimi, Bounou in Squad

Morocco's Atlas Lions Gear Up for AFCON 2025 with Hakimi, Bounou in Squad

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Hakimi suffered an injury in early November
Hakimi suffered an injury in early November

Morocco announces 28-man squad for AFCON 2025, featuring Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, and Sofyan Amrabat, despite Hakimi's injury concerns.


Morocco will host the tournament, which kicks off on December 21, and will face Comoros...


Achraf Hakimi, the African Footballer of the Year, has made Morocco's 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite struggling with an ankle injury. Coach Walid Regragui has expressed confidence that Hakimi will recover in time to play, saying he's been working hard since his injury and is determined to be part of the team from the first match.


Hakimi suffered a severe sprain of his left ankle during Paris St Germain's 2-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League last month. Despite this, Regragui believes Hakimi's leadership is crucial and has included him in the squad, alongside other star players like Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, and Youssef En-Nesyri.


Morocco will host the tournament, which kicks off on December 21, and will face Comoros, Mali, and Zambia in Group A. The team is heavily favored to win the tournament, and Hakimi's participation is seen as a major boost to their chances.


Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 Champions League winner, is currently out injured after picking up an ankle sprain during PSG's 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich on November 4th. Despite the injury, Morocco coach Walid Regragui has included Hakimi in the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting his importance to the team.


Regragui stressed that Hakimi's leadership and influence are indispensable, and he's confident the player will recover in time to play a crucial role in the tournament. Hakimi's participation is uncertain, but Regragui believes he's a must-have for the team, alongside other stars like Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, and Youssef En-Nesyri.


Hakimi's injury is a syndesmosis tear with mild deltoid ligament damage, and he's expected to be out for around eight weeks, which puts his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations at risk. However, Regragui is optimistic about Hakimi's recovery and has expressed his desire for the player to be fit for the tournament.


“We will do everything for him to be 100% against Comoros, but if he isn’t, he will be with us no matter what,” Regragui said at a press conference. “He’s the most important player for me, whether on the pitch or in the locker room.”


He added: “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.”



Morocco will face Comoros in opener

Experienced goalkeeper Yassine Bounou of Al Hilal in Saudi Pro League has also been included and will fight it out for the starting role alongside Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane, Botola Pro), and El Mehdi Al Harrar (Raja Casablanca, Botola Pro).


The defence comprises of Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd alongside rising Rennes centre-back Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, who continues his rapid ascent after debuting in November.


Morocco's AFCON Group A Opponents

Morocco has been drawn in Group A, alongside Comoros, Mali, and Zambia. The team is looking to win their second AFCON title, having won their first in 1976 in Ethiopia.


History of AFCON Success

The Atlas Lions, as Morocco is nicknamed, have a rich football history, but their last AFCON title was way back in 1976. Since then, their best finish was in 2004 when they lost 2-1 to hosts Tunisia in the final.


Tournament Opener

Morocco's AFCON journey begins with a match against Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The team is looking to start strong and make a statement in the tournament.


Morocco squad for AFCON

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal, Saudi Pro League), Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane, Botola Pro), El Mehdi Al Harrar (Raja Casablanca, Botola Pro).


Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1), Mohamed Chibi (Pyramids, Egyptian Premier League), Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Najma, Saudi Pro League), Romain Saiss (Al Sadd, Qatar), Abdelhamid Ait-Boudlal (Rennes, Ligue 1), Nayef Aguerd (Olympique de Marseille, Ligue 1), Adam Masina (Torino, Serie A), Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United, Premier League), Anas Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven, Eredivisie).


Midfielders: Oussama Targhalline (Feyenoord, Eredivisie), Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis, LaLiga), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven, Eredivisie), Neil El Aynaoui (AS Roma, Serie A), Bilal El Khannouss (VfB Stuttgart, Bundesliga), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona, LaLiga).


Forwards: Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid, LaLiga), Ilias Akhomach (Villarreal, LaLiga), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland, Premier League), Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahce, Super Lig), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiakos, Super League Greece), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain FC, UAE Pro League), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis, LaLiga), Eliesse Ben Seghir (Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga).


Reserve Players: Youssef Belammari (Raja Casablanca, Botola Pro), Hamza Igamane (Lille, Ligue 1).




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