Morocco prepares for the possibility of playing AFCON 2025 without Achraf Hakimi after the Paris Saint-Germain right-back suffered a serious ankle injury that puts his tournament participation in doubt, with national team staff now activating a backup plan.
Hakimi sustained the setback in the Champions League following a heavy challenge from Liverpool forward Luis Díaz during PSG’s clash with Bayern Munich.
The tackle forced the Moroccan star off the pitch in visible distress, with television cameras capturing an emotional exit that instantly raised alarm across Moroccan football circles.
PSG confirmed the injury in a club medical update, stating that Hakimi has “a severe sprain of his left ankle” and faces “several weeks” on the sidelines.
The club did not give a firm timeline for his recovery, but Spanish media sources close to Hakimi claim doctors expect a rehabilitation window of eight to ten weeks, a timeframe that overlaps with critical pre-tournament preparation.
Morocco hosts AFCON 2025, adding national weight to the situation. The right-back does not just carry tactical value.
He represents leadership, ambition, identity and emotional resonance for a country that views this tournament as both a football mission and a national moment.
Head coach Walid Regragui considers Hakimi an essential element of Morocco’s structure. His role goes beyond defensive duties.
He drives the build-up, pushes vertical passing lanes, controls transitions, overlaps with attacking timing, and brings creative balance to the flank. Without him, Morocco lose more than a name. They lose a system reference point.
Yet, Morocco do not plan to approach the situation with uncertainty.
Reports from Al Mountakhab reveal Regragui already designates Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraoui as the primary solution if Hakimi fails to return in time.
The decision shows early planning rather than reactionary selection.
Mazraoui’s profile fits a similar technical mold. He reads the game with positional calm, operates cleanly under pressure, progresses play with measured passing and understands the tactical rhythm required at top international level.
He also carries senior tournament experience, emotional composure, and elite club pedigree, making him a logical successor in case of absence.
But even with a replacement secured on paper, Hakimi’s potential omission still reorganises key tactical equations.
Morocco build width dynamically on the right side. Hakimi often shifts between high attacking width, inverted possession roles and quick defensive recovery.
He harmonises risk and structure, speed and control, instinct and discipline. Replacing skill sets is simple. Replacing multi-layer influence is harder.
Moroccan fans express mixed reactions in stadium discussions, social media spaces and football forums.
Some push for calm and recovery time, confident in the medical staff and player’s resilience.
Others worry the time gap between injury and opening matchday does not provide enough margin for peak readiness.
Regragui, according to reports, still keeps communication open with Hakimi and the medical teams managing the process.
No source claims Morocco close the door on a late return. The federation also understands the difference between medical clearance and competitive sharpness.
AFCON tournaments carry intensity from the opening whistle, with little room for players regaining rhythm mid-competition.
Tournament football demands immediate clarity, mobility, duel strength, direction changes, overlapping stamina and compact defensive reactions, especially for full-backs who operate in transition cycles every few seconds.
For now, Morocco watch the calendar as closely as medical updates. Hakimi’s injury shakes plans, but it does not shift ambition.
The country enters tournament mode with solutions already forming, decisions already aligning, and expectations already set.
One truth remains unchanged. Morocco want their star fit, but they refuse to wait without a plan.
Les chutes font partie du chemin, le retour fait la différence 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/CJO5Egyyjc
— Achraf Hakimi (@AchrafHakimi) November 5, 2025
