AFCON 2025: Achraf Hakimi reports to Morocco camp as race begins for opening match fitness

Achraf Hakimi has joined Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations training base in Rabat as he continues his recovery ahead of the tournament’s opening fixture.

The Atlas Lions defender arrived early to focus on rehabilitation after several weeks out with an ankle injury.

Hakimi received a call-up for AFCON 2025 despite his recent absence from competitive action, and the national team moved quickly to integrate him into its medical programme.

In coordination with Paris Saint-Germain, the Moroccan international gained permission to complete his treatment at home, allowing close monitoring by the national team’s staff.

The right-back is now working daily at the Rabat training centre under the supervision of Morocco’s medical team and head coach Walid Regragui.

Hakimi aims to regain full fitness in time for Morocco’s opening group match against Comoros, scheduled for December 21.

The player remains determined to feature from the start of the competition, even as the technical staff continues to manage his workload carefully.

Morocco’s preparations have also included midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who is recovering from an injury sustained while playing for his club.

Amrabat has joined Hakimi at the Rabat facility, where both players are following individual rehabilitation programmes designed to accelerate their return without risking setbacks.

The early arrival of injured players reflects Morocco’s cautious but structured approach ahead of the continental tournament.

Regragui and his staff have placed emphasis on fitness management, particularly for key figures expected to play central roles in the campaign.

Hakimi’s leadership and experience remain vital to Morocco’s ambitions, making his recovery one of the main priorities in the build-up to AFCON.

The official national team camp will begin on Monday, only days before the tournament kicks off.

Once the full squad assembles, the coaching staff will assess the physical condition of all players and finalise plans for the opening match.

As anticipation builds across the country, attention remains firmly fixed on Hakimi’s progress.

His presence in Rabat signals confidence within the Moroccan camp and offers encouragement that one of the team’s most influential players could return in time to lead the Atlas Lions onto the AFCON stage.