AFCON 2025: Hakimi's Injury Rocks Morocco, Dampens Title Hopes

AFCON 2025: Hakimi's Injury Rocks Morocco, Dampens Title Hopes

Sampson Adedeji

The Atlas Lions of Morocco have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as star defender Achraf Hakimi has sustained an injury, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Paris Saint-Germain fullback picked up the injury during Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League clash between PSG and Bayern Munich after a heavy tackle from Luis Díaz.

Following medical examinations, the skillful right-back has been ruled out for several weeks, casting serious doubt on his availability for the tournament, which kicks off in December.

Hakimi, a key figure in Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, was expected to play a vital role as the host nation seeks to win its first AFCON title since 1976.

His absence would be a major setback for coach Walid Regragui, who is already fine-tuning preparations to ensure a strong showing on home soil.