### Achraf Hakimi's Return: A Boost for Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations - Achraf Hakimi, the captain of the Moroccan national football team and current African Footballer of the Year, has successfully recovered from an ankle injury sustained during a Champions League match in November. His return is timely as Morocco prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), aiming to end a nearly five-decade title drought. Despite his recovery, coach Walid Regragui has indicated that Hakimi may not start in the opening match against Comoros, emphasizing the importance of team strategy over individual readiness [https://apnews.com/article/hakimi-morocco-africa-cup-79fd746ee749034a6cc0f6989684119e][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3737229-achraf-hakimi-moroccos-star-ready-for-africa-cup-of-nations-comeback]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background on Hakimi's Injury and Recovery** - Details of the injury sustained during a Champions League match. - Timeline of recovery leading up to the AFCON. 2. **Morocco's AFCON Aspirations** - Overview of Morocco's historical performance in AFCON. - Current team dynamics and expectations for the tournament. 3. **Coach's Strategy and Team Decisions** - Insights from coach Walid Regragui regarding Hakimi's potential role in the opening match. - Importance of team cohesion and strategy in decision-making. 4. **Fan and Media Reactions** - Public sentiment regarding Hakimi's return and its impact on team morale. - Coverage of the team's preparations and expectations from the media. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Details**: Hakimi suffered a left ankle injury on November 4, 2025, during a match against Bayern Munich, which raised concerns about his participation in AFCON [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/international-football/africa-cup-of-nations-achraf-hakimi-injury-update-morocco-vs-comoros-afcon-2025-maroq-team-news/article70419532.ece]. - **AFCON History**: Morocco last won the AFCON title in 1976 and has only reached one final since then, highlighting the significance of this tournament for the team [https://24newshd.tv/18-dec-2025/hakimi-boost-morocco-seek-end-afcon-title-drought]. - **Team Performance**: Morocco enters the tournament with a record of 18 consecutive wins in competitive and friendly matches, showcasing their strong form [https://24newshd.tv/18-dec-2025/hakimi-boost-morocco-seek-end-afcon-title-drought]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Hakimi's Recovery**: Achraf Hakimi's return from injury is a significant boost for Morocco as they aim for success in the AFCON. 2. **Team Strategy**: Coach Walid Regragui is cautious about Hakimi's involvement in the opening match, prioritizing team strategy over individual readiness. 3. **Historical Context**: Morocco's historical performance in AFCON adds pressure to the team, making Hakimi's presence even more crucial. 4. **Public Sentiment**: The excitement surrounding Hakimi's return reflects the high expectations from fans and media as Morocco prepares to compete on home soil. In conclusion, **Achraf Hakimi's recovery is pivotal for Morocco's ambitions in the Africa Cup of Nations**, as the team seeks to leverage his leadership and skill to secure their first title in nearly 50 years [https://www.africanews.com/2025/12/20/achraf-hakimi-is-back-for-moroccos-africa-cup-of-nations-campaign].