Moroccan national team coach Walid Regragui granted Ashraf Hakimi permission to participate in the French Super Cup with his club, Paris Saint-Germain, despite the ongoing training camp of the national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
However, Regragui declined similar requests for other players, citing concerns about the crucial nature of Hakimi’s role and the particular circumstances surrounding the Super Cup.
Insiders close to the Moroccan national team revealed that Regragui’s decision to authorize Hakimi’s participation in the Super Cup was influenced by the unique significance of the match, which stands as a pivotal moment in Hakimi’s career rather than a routine mid-season domestic league game.
Additionally, Hakimi’s versatility and the availability of suitable alternatives in the Moroccan squad played a role in securing the coach’s approval.
Regragui himself engaged in discussions with Hakimi, understanding the importance of the Super Cup clash for the player.
The coach’s considerations extended beyond the club level, acknowledging that success in a prestigious tournament like the Super Cup would enhance Hakimi’s overall skill set, potentially benefiting the national team.
Regarding the specific situation involving Yahya Attia and the Casablanca Derby, Regragui deemed it impractical to grant permission for the player’s participation.
The coach expressed concerns about the non-decisive nature of mid-season matches, coupled with apprehensions about potential injuries that might disrupt defensive plans, especially with Morocco’s full-back Mazaroui still recovering from an injury and unavailable for the early matches in the AFCON.
The same source confirmed that the Moroccan national team would be complete today, with the remaining players joining the camp.
Some players initially delayed their arrival due to staggered travel schedules or personal commitments, like visiting their families before the commencement of the AFCON.
Ashraf Hakimi, who arrived in Morocco this morning after the conclusion of Paris Saint-Germain’s match against Toulouse, will soon join the national team as they prepare to travel to San Pedro, the host city for Morocco’s AFCON group stage matches.
The team will face Sierra Leone in a friendly on the upcoming Thursday as part of their acclimatization efforts before the official start of the competition.
Morocco commences its AFCON campaign in Group B, opening against Tanzania on January 17, followed by matches against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on January 21 and Zambia on January 24.
The journey to reclaim the AFCON title begins, with the team aiming to make a strong impression in the tournament.
