Morocco Boss Walid Regragui Wary Of Deployment Of 'Best Player In Africa' Achraf Hakimi

Last Updated:December 22, 2025, 21:43 IST

Hakimi was an unused sub in hosts Morocco's tournament opener as the Atlas Lions started with a commanding 2-0 win over Comoros.

Walid Regragui. (X)

Morocco coach Walid Regragui revealed that he isn’t up to take any risks with the deployment of star full-back Achraf Hakimi, who returned to training with the national team just a day ahead of their opener against Comoros.

Hakimi was an unused sub in hosts Morocco’s tournament opener as the Atlas Lions started with a commanding 2-0 win over Comoros.

“We need Hakimi because he is the best player in Africa and one of the best in the world, and no team can afford to be without their best player, but Mazraoui is a fantastic player," Regragui said.

“He has different qualities to Achraf, although I think Achraf would have helped us today.

“We didn’t want to take a risk with Achraf. We are being very careful with him so we will see how he is in the next 48 hours to see if he can start against Mali.

“We are convinced he will play during the AFCON and we are waiting patiently for him."

Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Khabi netted for Regragui and Co. as the home nation kicked thing off on a positive not despite Soufiane Rahimi’s miss from the spot.

“It is a good start to the competition for us, although we are not getting carried away," Regragui said.

“Mali will be a different match. They have a lot of top-level players, and maybe we will have less possession, so it will be a real test for us both."

Hakimi, who had been nursing an ankle sprin he sustained early in November, presented the CAF Player of the Year accolade he was awarded to adoring fans at the Stade Prince Moulhy Abdallah.

“A strong start to the competition. Thank you for the love and for the amazing atmosphere tonight," he said following the triumph.

News sports football Morocco Boss Walid Regragui Wary Of Deployment Of 'Best Player In Africa' Achraf Hakimi

Read More