Morocco coach Walid Regragui is keeping fans guessing over Achraf Hakimi’s availability for the Atlas Lions’ second Group A match at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Mali on Friday.
Speaking to French outlet Canal Supporter, Regragui said the team will monitor Hakimi’s condition over the next two days before making a final call.
“We are monitoring Hakimi’s condition over the next two days to see if he can start against Mali. We have not yet made the final decision, but it will be determined at the last minute.”
“We refused to risk him in the first match against Comoros, even though he recovered quickly, but we are dealing with him very carefully because we need him for the rest of our journey in the Africa Cup of Nations.”
The coach emphasized caution in managing the defender’s return.
“I am confident that Hakimi will be with us in this tournament, and we are eagerly awaiting his return,” he stressed.
Regragui expressed confidence in Hakimi’s eventual return.
“Hakimi is the best African player and one of the best players in the world, and we would certainly have been better off if he had participated against Comoros, because no team in the world can play without its best player.”
On alternative options, he praised Noussair Mazraoui.
“But Noussair Mazraoui is a great player, and I see him as being just as strong as Hakimi, but with different characteristics.”
Morocco currently leads Group A after a 2-0 victory over Comoros, while Mali drew 1-1 with Zambia.
Hakimi has been sidelined since injuring his left ankle on November 4 during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, following a heavy challenge from Colombian Luis Diaz.
