National team head coach Walid Regragui confirmed on Sunday in Rabat that Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will make his first appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco’s match against Zambia, scheduled for the third and final matchday of Group A.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the Zambia game, set to take place on Monday, December 28, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Regragui stated:
"We don’t yet know whether Hakimi will play the full match or come on as a substitute, but he will be present.”
He added that
"no coach can do without his best player, and we have Achraf Hakimi, who does an exceptional job,”explaining that"our plan regarding Hakimi has worked well, and the national team will be stronger with his return.”
"Achraf is more than just a leader and captain of the national team; he is a key figure in the dressing room, alongside other senior players,” the national coach emphasized. He added that the player "is an example for all of us and it is important to see him pushing everyone else to raise their level.”
For his part, Achraf Hakimi said that
"I feel good thanks to a solid recovery program,”adding that he is eager to rejoin the squad and play in the match against Zambia.