Voted the best African player of 2025, Achraf Hakimi was rested during the opening match despite having no ankle pain. As a precaution, the medical staff and the national coach chose not to take any unnecessary risks to eliminate any threat of relapse at the start of the competition. Present on the bench, the captain of the Atlas Lions was nonetheless honored by receiving his trophy before kick-off, amidst the cheers of the crowd, before reiterating in a press conference his absolute priority: “If I have to not play for the team to win, I will. I think about the collective.”
Hoalid Regragui also emphasized the impact of the PSG full-back beyond the pitch: “He is a true captain.” In the locker room as well as on the bench, Hakimi continued to fulfill his role as a communicator, lending his voice and guiding a team embarking on its home competition. A strong signal in a tournament where managing physical conditions is as important as talent.
And while his absence on the field did not prevent Morocco from winning, it primarily confirmed the strength and depth of the squad. The staff now hopes for a gradual return for the future, with an eye on the match against Mali on December 26, where his presence could provide an additional boost to the Atlas Lions in a highly competitive Group A.
