Hakimi Returns and Ties Morocco’s Major-Tournament Start Record
9 January 2026
Hakimi’s Comeback Boosts Morocco’s AFCON Quest
The Moroccan international, Achraf Hakimi, continues to etch his name into Atlas Lions history by equalling the record held by his compatriot Noureddine Niabet as the most players to start in major tournaments for Morocco (World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations).
Hakimi featured on Friday against Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals (Morocco 2025), bringing his tally to 25 starting appearances in major tournaments for the national team, thus matching Niabet’s mark.
He is followed by veteran defender Román Saïss, who sits on 24 appearances.
The winner of the Morocco-Cameroon clash will meet the winner of the Nigeria-Algeria fixture, scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday.
Sniper punchline 1: If football were a sniper rifle, Hakimi’s passes would be headshots on the goalpost.
Sniper punchline 2: Hakimi’s accuracy is so legendary that even the net files its own records when he shoots.
