Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will be absent from the team’s final AFCON 2025 qualifier against Lesotho on Monday. The announcement came from head coach Walid Regragui, who confirmed that the Paris Saint-Germain defender had been released to return to his club.
Speaking after Morocco’s last training session before the game, Regragui explained that Hakimi’s departure was part of a prior agreement with PSG.
This arrangement stems from the club’s decision to release the player for the Olympic Games earlier this year.
“Achraf Hakimi left the group with my agreement, the staff’s agreement, and the federation’s approval,” Regragui said during a press briefing.
“We had an understanding with Paris Saint-Germain regarding his availability for the Olympics.
It was agreed that we would release him for one match later in the year, and we decided on this one.”
Hakimi, who provided an assist during Morocco’s dominant 5-1 victory over Gabon on Friday, will now use this opportunity to recover after a demanding schedule.
“He traveled with us to Gabon, taking a six-hour flight each way,” Regragui noted.
“This is a chance for him to rest and return to his club in good shape. He has played many matches, and this break will be beneficial for him.”
The absence of the star defender opens the door for other players in the squad to gain valuable playing time.
Regragui emphasized the importance of rotating the squad to avoid injuries and assess the depth of his roster.
“It’s an opportunity to see other players in action. It’s also a precautionary measure to prevent fatigue-related injuries,” he concluded.
Morocco, having already secured their spot in the AFCON 2025 tournament, will face Lesotho in Oujda for their final qualifying match.
While the home crowd will miss the chance to see their captain in action, the game offers an opportunity for emerging talents to make their mark.
