Morocco head coach Walid Regragui could receive a timely boost ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, with midfielder Azzedine Ounahi close to full fitness.
The Girona midfielder has returned to full training after missing Morocco’s last three matches with a calf injury, raising hopes he could feature in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Morocco face Senegal on Sunday in Rabat as they chase a first continental title since 1976 and only their second AFCON crown.
Ounahi back in training after injury lay-off
Ounahi sustained the injury during training ahead of Morocco’s group-stage match against Tanzania and has since been sidelined as the Atlas Lions progressed to the final on home soil.
Sources close to the Moroccan camp say the 24-year-old has trained normally with the rest of the squad in recent days and no longer feels discomfort in his calf.
He has also expressed his readiness to contribute if called upon.
However, medical staff are expected to carry out a final assessment on Saturday before a decision is taken on how many minutes he could safely play.
Substitute role most likely
While Ounahi’s availability offers Regragui an extra tactical option, he is unlikely to start the final.
Coaching sources indicate the midfielder would be used from the bench if required, with no intention of risking him from kick-off in a match of such intensity.
Regragui previously joked with local media about Ounahi’s readiness ahead of the semi-final win over Nigeria, before later clarifying that the comments reflected hope rather than medical reality.
Saïss also monitored ahead of final
Morocco captain Romain Saïss has also returned to fitness after picking up an injury in the opening match against Comoros.
Despite his recovery, the coaching staff are expected to manage his involvement carefully, with Regragui keen to avoid unnecessary risks in the tournament’s showpiece match.
As Morocco prepare for one of the biggest nights in their football history, squad depth and late fitness decisions could yet play a decisive role in the final against the reigning African champions.
