Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has expressed readiness to return to action against Comoros in the 2025 African Cup of Nations opener on Sunday, SportPremi reports.
The Paris Saint Germain defender has been sidelined with injury since going off in his side’s clash against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League last month.
The right-back was announced the CAF Men’s Player of the year for 2025, capping an impressive year for club and country.
The 27-year-old was included in Walid Regragui’s final squad for the AFCON tournament despite the injury doubts surrounding his participation.
However, he is set to lead the Atlas Lions in their hunt for a first African championship since 1976, beginning with Sunday’s clash against Comoros to open the competition.
Hakimi Eyes Winning Start Against Comoros
Hakimi heads into his fourth AFCON tournament, eyeing a first title win with Morocco.
The PSG defender reached the round of 16 with the Atlas Lions in 2019 and also helped them to the quarterfinals in 2022.
The right-back was also an integral part of the squad that were eliminated by South Africa at the round of 16 phase in the last edition and will be hoping for a better performance this time around in front of their own fans.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the clash, the 27-year-old expressed readiness to play in Morocco’s opener.
“I feel good. I’m following the programme with the doctors and the coach (Walid Regragui). After that, we’ll see what the coach decides. You can ask him”, Hakimi stated.
On how he felt after suffering the injury
“I was scared after my injury. I didn’t want to miss this Cup of Nations that we are hosting.
“I wanted to be there with the team. I don’t know when I’ll play, but I feel ready.”
2025 AFCON in focus
The 2025 edition of the African Cup of Nations will commence later tonight, as Morocco face Comoros in the opening clash.
The group stages will end on the 31st of December, with the knockout rounds commencing on the 3rd of January, 2026.
The final will hold at the Prince Moullay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on the 18th of January, as 24 teams vie for continental glory.
Ivory Coast are the defending champions after their 2-1 win over Nigeria in the 2023 final and will compete in group F this time against Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique.
