Hakim Ziyech has spoken openly about his absence from Morocco’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations currently taking place in the country, admitting that he did not deserve a place this time.
The 32-year-old winger, who recently joined Wydad Casablanca, described national coach Walid Regragui’s decision as “logical” and insisted he fully supports the players selected.
Left out of the national team since September 2024, Ziyech has been following the tournament from afar and acknowledges that a lack of competitive action worked against him. He arrived late at Wydad at the end of October and, because he could not be registered in the Botola before January, he has gone several months without official matches, losing sharpness at a time when competition for his position is particularly intense.
Ziyech also refused to fuel any controversy around his omission, instead pointing to his dip in form over the past two seasons as a key factor. “The most important thing is that my teammates win the title. If they do, we’ll all celebrate.”, he said, underlining his solidarity with the squad and his desire to see Morocco triumph on home soil.
Now focused on turning the page, the former Chelsea player is concentrating on his new challenge with Wydad.
His first official appearance with the Casablanca club is expected on 25 January, when Wydad face Maniema Union in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, a match that could mark the beginning of his bid to reclaim a place with the Atlas Lions.
