Morocco’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations received a welcome lift this week after Achraf Hakimi was seen moving freely in Rabat, easing fears over his recent ankle injury.

 

A picture of the Paris Saint-Germain star circulating on social media showed Hakimi without the protective boot he wore last month when he collected the African Player of the Year award. His appearance sparked optimism among Moroccan fans as the country gets ready to host the AFCON, which kicks off on Sunday.

 

Hakimi suffered a badly sprained left ankle in November during a UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich in Paris after a heavy tackle from Luis Diaz. The injury forced him off the field and immediately raised doubts about his availability for the continental tournament.

 

At the time, the seriousness of the injury was clear when Hakimi struggled to walk while receiving his CAF award in Rabat. His recovery has since been closely monitored by both club and country.

 

Now ranked among the world’s best right-backs, Hakimi is a central figure in Morocco’s bid to end a nearly 50-year wait for a second AFCON title, their only triumph coming in 1976.

 

The 27-year-old has reportedly returned to Morocco accompanied by a PSG doctor and physiotherapist and continues his rehabilitation under close supervision. There is hope he could resume light training later this week, although no exact return date has been confirmed.

 

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has made it clear he will not rush his captain back, even if that means Hakimi misses the group stage. The hosts open their campaign against Comoros on Sunday before facing Mali and Zambia later in the group, with all matches set to be played in Rabat.

 

Morocco are expected to progress to the knockout stage even without Hakimi, but his return could be crucial as the tournament moves into the decisive rounds from early January.

 

Despite being one of Africa’s strongest teams and currently ranked number one on the continent, Morocco have struggled at AFCON since their 1976 success. They have reached just one final since then and were knocked out in the last 16 at the previous tournament.

 

However, the Atlas Lions arrive in excellent form, riding a world-record run of 18 consecutive wins in competitive and friendly matches. Playing at home, backed by passionate supporters, Morocco are once again among the favourites.

 

Their chances of lifting the trophy on home soil would be greatly strengthened if Hakimi is declared fit and able to lead the team later in the tournament.