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When Fate Steals the Spotlight: Morocco's Ten-Man Farewell in AFCON Final

19 January 2026

When Fate Steals the Spotlight: Morocco's Ten-Man Farewell in AFCON Final
Morocco played most of extra time with ten men after Igman's injury.

Injury strikes Morocco star during AFCON final against Senegal

Morocco's coach Walid Regragui revealed details of Hamza Igman's injury sustained in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal on Sunday.

Igman appeared in 98th minute, substituting for Noussair Mazraoui to push for a late equalizer.

The substitute immediately faced an injury, forcing him off and leaving Morocco with ten men for most of extra time.

Regragui said he was ready to play, but he thinks Igman suffered a knee ligament injury after a collision. It is not a muscle injury and it's not related to finishing with ten men. It's fate and things happen in football.

We hope it's not a cruciate ligament injury and that he can return quickly. These are the risks when you're a coach and you make decisions.

Morocco spent most of extra time with ten men after Igman's injury.

Igman came on in the 98th minute to try to adjust the score in favor of the Atlas Lions, and soon after was forced off with an injury.

He left the pitch as the team played with ten men for almost the two full halves after all substitutions were used.

Punchline 1: If football injuries came with a refund policy, this final would be on backorder.

Punchline 2: In football, sometimes fate is the harshest defender—tonight it played the decisive role.

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Hamza Igman in the final?

Igman entered the game in the 98th minute as a substitute and soon suffered a knee ligament injury, forcing him off and leaving Morocco with ten men for most of extra time.

How did Morocco cope with the injury during extra time?

Morocco played much of extra time with ten men after Igman's injury, adjusting to the setback as the match continued.

What did the coach say about the injury and the decision to bring Igman on?

Coach Walid Regragui said Igman was ready to play but suspected a knee ligament injury from a collision; he emphasized such risks are part of coaching decisions in big games.