Hakimi Returns to Boost Morocco's AFCON 2025 Quest Against Tanzania

Hakimi's comeback fuels Morocco's AFCON push against Tanzania

Morocco star Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain right-back, returned to the pitch after an injury layoff, stressing that Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions coach, has the final say on his participation against Tanzania.

The host nation Morocco prepares for Sunday’s Round of 16 clash in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, aiming to build on a bid for a second continental title following the 1976 triumph in Ethiopia.

Hakimi re-entered the Moroccan lineup in the 3-0 win over Zambia in the group finale, after recovering from a setback with his club that kept him sidelined for a long spell.

He had suffered a severe right ankle injury in the Bayern Munich clash in the Champions League on November 4 last year.

Asked about starting against Tanzania, Hakimi told the Moroccan outlet Al Botola: "The decision is entirely up to the coach, and I am thrilled to be back. I’m always ready to serve the national team."

To ease pressure on Regragui, he added: "If I need to start, I will give my best; otherwise I will support my teammates from the touchline as I have in the past two games—the team's interests come first."

Morocco topped Group A with seven points (two wins over Comoros and Zambia, and a draw with Mali), making them one of the strongest contenders to lift the continental title.

Punchlines:

"Bam! Hakimi shoots, the net blushes, and even the ball asks for autographs."

"If Morocco lift AFCON, the trophy will finally get a day off from all the goals—talk about a well-deserved vacation for the hardware."