The reigning African footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi has confirmed that he is fit and ready to play in the opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 tournament set to take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
This is despite the fact that the Moroccan captain has not played any match since 4 November.
Hakimi, included in the 2025 FIFA Best XI this week, was the victim of a reckless tackle by Luis Diaz during a UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich in Paris on 4 November.
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At the time Hakimi left the field with a badly sprained left ankle, casting immediate doubts on whether he would be available for the AFCON.
On 19 Novemeber, Hakimi wore a surgical boot on his left foot when receiving the African player of the year award, casting more doubts on his chances.
But speaking on the eve of Morocco’s opening game against Comoros set for the Prince Moulay Stadium, Hakimi confirmed he is available for selection by head coach Walid Regragui.
Achraf Hakimi assures ahead of AFCON 2025 opener
“I was worried about my injury because I did not want to miss the AFCON at home. We did everything to help me recover. Now, I’m ready but it is up to the coach to decide if I start tomorrow,” Hakimi said in the prematch press conference.
The news comes as huge boost to Moroccan fans as Hakimi he is a key figure in their plans to end a five-decade wait and lift the AFCON trophy a second time since 1976.
The defender reportedly arrived in Morocco with a doctor and physiotherapist from PSG and is continuing his rehabilitation.
In an earlier interview, Morocco coach Walid Regragui has said he does not want to take any risks with his captain, which could mean missing the three-match group stage.
The hosts face the Comoros in the opening match on Sunday, then Mali on December 26 and Zambia three days later. All the matches will be at the 68,000-seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.