ACL Blow Sinks Moroccan Hopes: Lille Confirms Hamza Ijaman's Gruesome Knee Tear
19 January 2026
Impact on Morocco and Lille
Morocco's heartbreak deepens after losing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final to Senegal, as Hamza Ijaman suffers a severe ACL tear that will sideline him for months. The talismanic forward, who had carried the team through the tournament, left the field grimacing while the stadium's cheers faded into whispered worry.
His replacement minutes in extra time showed his absence; a collision with Senegal's Edouard Mendy, six minutes on the field, and a finish overshadowed by injury.
The final's drama forced Morocco to finish the added time with a man down as Walid Regragui had already used all his substitutions.
What’s Next for Lille and Morocco
Lille later confirmed the diagnosis: a torn ACL in his right knee, a blow that ends his season and casts a long shadow over his World Cup 2026 ambitions.
The injury dents Morocco's tournament hopes and compels Lille to rethink their attacking options while preparing for European duties.
On Lille's schedule, a Thursday trip to face Celta Vigo in the Europa League tests depth and resilience, now without their injured forward.
Morocco's fans will hope for a swift medical recovery and a strong replacement as they eye the next major tournament.
Sniper joke 1: If injuries were a language, Hamza would be fluent in ACL-ese by now.
Sniper joke 2: Morocco's defense learned to kneel—now one knee is carrying the weight of sympathy.
