Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has disclosed that midfielder Azzedine Ounahi will be sidelined for five-six weeks after picking up an injury setback at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The Atlas Lions missed the services of the Girona star after picking up an injury at training prior to the round of 16 showdown against Tanzania.
Ounahi arrived at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on crutches and wearing shin guards in their game against Tanzania, signaling the severity of the injury.
Speaking after the match, Regragui disclosed his midfielder has suffered a calf muscle injury and is expected to be out of action for over a month.
“Ounahi suffered an injury during training. He has a torn calf muscle that will prevent him from playing during the Africa Cup of Nations.”
“He will be out for between 5 and 6 weeks. It is an injury he had been suffering from for a while at Girona and it has recurred.”
Considered as one of the high-rated players for Morocco, his absence from the tournament is expected to affect Morocco, who are poised to secure the title.
Despite his absence for the last 16 clash, the Atlas Lions managed to triumph over Tanzania to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the tournament. Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz emerged as the hero for the host nation after firing home the match-winner in the highly-competitive clash on Sunday.
The midfielder’s unfortunate injury radically changes the situation and plunges an entire nation into anxiety, as the AFCON tournament heats up in the North Africa country.
Ounahi has been outstanding for the Atlas Lions of Morocco since making his debut in 2022. He has established himself as a key member of the team, racking up 46 appearances and scoring 9 goals across the period.
