Very rarely used during this gathering of the Atlas Lions, Achraf Hakimi was subject to special management by the national staff. After the draw against Mali (1-1), Mohamed Ouahbi explained this choice, primarily driven by the desire to preserve his captain.
Present in the Moroccan squad despite a recent injury to his right thigh with Paris Saint-Germain, the right-back was not yet in a condition to take any risks.
“We did not want to take risks with Achraf during this gathering,” Mohamed Ouahbi stated at a press conference. The national coach therefore prioritized caution while taking advantage of this international window to assess other options in the flanks.
Against Mali, Hakimi remained on the bench for the entire match, with Ali Maamar starting in the right-back position. This decision also aligns with the staff’s intention to broaden their options and provide playing time to players who may be called upon in the future.
Mohamed Ouahbi also emphasized the importance of preparing alternatives to Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, whom he considers “probably two of the best full-backs in the world.” For the coach, these matches should allow young players and substitutes to gain experience so they are ready when the key players cannot take their place.
Thus, Achraf Hakimi’s situation does not stem from a sporting choice. Injured in his right thigh with PSG a few weeks earlier, the Moroccan defender had gradually resumed training before joining the Atlas Lions. His management during this gathering is primarily a precautionary measure.
After two victories against Gabon and Lesotho, Morocco concluded its international window with a draw against Mali (1-1) on Sunday evening at the Grand Stade de Tanger.
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