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Ed Dove
Achraf Hakimi was unable to return from injury during Morocco’s opening match at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, although Morocco still secured a 2-0 win against Comoros. Coach Walid Regragui indicated that his replacement at right-back is just as competent as the reigning African Footballer of the Year.
The substitute for Hakimi was Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui.
With goals from Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi, the tournament hosts triumphed 2-0 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to kick off the 2025 Nations Cup. Despite a missed penalty by Soufiane Rahimi in the first half, Regragui’s team managed to overcome their determined opponents.
Although Regragui had expressed optimism about Hakimi’s potential return after a seven-week absence, the Paris Saint-Germain star had to remain on the bench. Mazraoui started in his absence, contributing an assist for Diaz’s goal in the 55th minute.
“Without Hakimi, we could have been even better, but Mazraoui is exceptional,” Regragui told ESPN. “I regard him as an equally strong option to Achraf, even though his skills differ.
“We definitely need Hakimi; he’s among the best players in both Africa and the world. No team can perform without their top player. Today’s tactics would have suited Hakimi perfectly; he would have made an impact on the flanks.”
The 27-year-old has not featured since suffering a significant left-ankle sprain in a Champions League match against Bayern Munich and has been engaged in a rigorous rehabilitation program for weeks to be fit for this Nations Cup on home soil.
“We chose not to risk him today,” Regragui added. “He returned sooner than expected, but we are being cautious because we want him ready for the entire tournament, not just for 20 minutes in a single match.
“We’ll assess his condition in 48 hours and determine if he will start against Mali,” he continued. “He will definitely play in this AFCON, and we’re looking forward to it.”
When Hakimi returns to full fitness, Regragui may face challenging decisions following the impressive performances of both Mazraoui and left-back Anass Salah-Eddine, who assisted El Kaabi’s stunning overhead kick 16 minutes from the end.
The duo combined to create four goal-scoring chances during the match, the most by any players, while Salah-Eddine’s speed and movement troubled the Comoran defense throughout the game.
“As Hakimi isn’t ready yet, both will again start against Mali,” Regragui confirmed. “We can maintain a left-footer on the left side and a right-footer on the right.
“I have three outstanding fullbacks; Salah-Eddine has significantly improved and is an excellent left-back, while Mazraoui is among the best technically in this position.
“There will be times we play without Achraf, without Mazraoui, and without Salah-Eddine. But I have no doubts or concerns. In the past, lacking Achraf could have caused problems, but now we have more options.
“What’s certain is that Hakimi will be playing.”
Mazraoui’s arrival at the camp last weekend was marked by a club versus country dispute involving United, who were eager for the 28-year-old to participate in their 4-4 match against Bournemouth last Monday.
Eventually, Mazraoui joined the national team ahead of that match, with United raising the issue with FIFA, who ruled in favor of the Atlas Lions.
Morocco’s Group A journey continues with a clash against Mali in Rabat on December 26, followed by the group stage finale against Zambia three days later.