AFCON 2025: ‘An extra motivation’ – Achraf Hakimi embraces home pressure as Morocco chase glory

Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi is embracing the pressure and personal significance of playing on home soil as the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches its kickoff in Rabat.

The Paris Saint-Germain right-back, widely regarded as one of the best in the world in his position, expressed deep personal motivation for the upcoming tournament.

His participation in the tournament is still unclear because he is still recovering from an injury.

Hakimi views this competition not just as another major tournament, but as a career highlight played in front of the people he cares about most.

“This is my fourth AFCON, I’m a veteran now,” Hakimi remarked, highlighting his experience at just 27 years old. “But it’s a special AFCON at home. In front of friends, family, and supporters. An extra motivation, in front of the Moroccan people, to give everything for this jersey.”

Morocco, currently the top-ranked team in Africa and semi-finalists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, enters the tournament as heavy favorites.

The Atlas Lions have been drawn into Group A and will begin their campaign against Comoros on December 21 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. They will also face Mali and Zambia in the group stage.

The country has not hosted the tournament since 1988 and has only won the title once, back in 1976. The weight of national expectation is immense, with fans hoping their current “golden generation,” led by Hakimi and manager Walid Regragui, can deliver continental glory.

For Hakimi, that motivation is fueled by the proximity of his loved ones. The tangible support from his community and family is clearly a powerful driver for the defender as Morocco aims for a historic victory on January 18, 2026.

The atmosphere in the host cities of Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Tangier, and Fez is expected to be electric throughout the month-long competition.