AFCON 2025: Walid Regragui weighs Achraf Hakimi gamble as Morocco near opening kick-off

Walid Regragui faces a defining selection call as Morocco edge closer to their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Achraf Hakimi’s fitness dominating discussion inside and outside the Atlas Lions camp.

The Paris Saint-Germain right-back remains one of Morocco’s most influential players, yet his recent injury places the head coach in a delicate position.

Hakimi picked up the injury during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich in early November, a setback that initially threatened his AFCON participation altogether.

Early medical assessments suggested an extremely tight recovery window, raising doubts about whether he could reach competitive sharpness in time for the tournament.

Although his rehabilitation progressed positively and he has returned to training, the question now centres on match readiness rather than simple availability.

Training sessions cannot fully replicate the physical and mental intensity of an AFCON opener, especially for a player whose role demands relentless effort.

Hakimi’s position requires repeated high-speed runs, constant defensive recovery and frequent attacking contributions. Regragui must therefore consider the risk that immediate exposure to such demands could trigger a relapse.

The dilemma carries recent and painful reminders. In Italy, Como coach Cesc Fàbregas rushed Assane Diao back into action shortly after his return from injury.

The decision backfired almost instantly, with the Senegal international suffering a recurrence that ruled him out of the Africa Cup of Nations. That episode serves as a clear warning for national team coaches tempted to take early risks.

Other players have chosen a more cautious path. Andreas Hountondji opted to step aside from Benin’s AFCON plans to protect his long-term career, while Yoane Wissa made a similar decision with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Both players prioritised gradual reintegration with their clubs over the pressure of an immediate return on the continental stage.

Regragui now balances competing priorities. Hakimi brings leadership, experience and tactical importance that few players in African football can match. His presence alone can change Morocco’s attacking balance and defensive stability.

At the same time, losing him to a relapse could weaken the team for the remainder of the tournament and beyond.

Starting Hakimi would signal ambition and confidence, but it would also represent a calculated risk. A managed approach, with carefully controlled minutes, may offer a safer route and preserve one of Morocco’s most valuable assets for decisive moments later in the competition.

As Morocco prepare to open AFCON 2025 on home soil, Regragui’s final decision will draw intense scrutiny. The choice he makes could shape not only the opening match but the broader trajectory of the Atlas Lions’ tournament.