### Morocco's AFCON Hopes Rest on Achraf Hakimi's Return Morocco's national football team is gearing up for a crucial match against Zambia in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. The team's captain, Achraf Hakimi, has recently recovered from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the initial matches of the tournament. His return is seen as a significant boost for Morocco, who are aiming to secure a top position in Group A. Hakimi has emphasized the importance of not underestimating their opponents, Zambia, as they prepare for this pivotal clash on December 30, 2025 [https://www.panafricafootball.com/post/afcon-hakimi-morocco-before-zambia]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background on Hakimi's Injury and Recovery** - Achraf Hakimi, crowned African Player of the Year, suffered an ankle injury in November 2025, raising doubts about his participation in AFCON [https://www.africanews.com/2025/12/20/achraf-hakimi-is-back-for-moroccos-africa-cup-of-nations-campaign]. - After two false starts in the tournament, he has been confirmed fit to play against Zambia [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/hakimi-could-finally-make-2025-africa-cup-of-nations-bow-against-zambia]. 2. **Morocco's Performance in AFCON** - Morocco has had a strong start in the tournament, winning their opening match against Comoros and looking to maintain momentum [https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/2025/12/22/afcon-2025-morocco-open-with-win-but-regragui-insists-hakimi-needs-to-be-handled-with-care]. - The team is currently ranked No. 1 in Africa and is considered a favorite to win the tournament, having won 18 consecutive matches leading up to AFCON [https://24newshd.tv/18-dec-2025/hakimi-boost-morocco-seek-end-afcon-title-drought]. 3. **Hakimi's Leadership and Impact** - As captain, Hakimi's presence on the field is crucial for Morocco's strategy and morale. His leadership is expected to inspire the team as they aim for their second AFCON title since 1976 [https://www.gulftoday.ae/sport/2025/12/20/hakimi-declared-fit-ahead-of-moroccos-afcon-opener-against-comoros]. - Coach Walid Regragui has expressed confidence in Hakimi's ability to contribute significantly to the team's performance against Zambia [https://sportstalkflorida.com/soccer-featured/afcon-moroccos-achraf-hakimi-confirmed-to-play-against-zambia]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Timeline and Recovery** - Hakimi was injured on November 4, 2025, during a Champions League match and was initially doubtful for AFCON [https://www.republicworld.com/sports/football/achraf-hakimi-is-back-for-moroccos-africa-cup-of-nations-campaign]. - His recovery has been closely monitored, and he has now returned to full training, ready to play against Zambia [https://www.panafricafootball.com/post/afcon-hakimi-morocco]. - **Morocco's Recent Performance** - Morocco's recent matches leading up to AFCON include victories over Mozambique and Uganda, showcasing their strong form [https://24newshd.tv/18-dec-2025/hakimi-boost-morocco-seek-end-afcon-title-drought]. - The team aims to leverage their home advantage and passionate fan support to secure a successful tournament run [https://www.gulftoday.ae/sport/2025/12/20/hakimi-declared-fit-ahead-of-moroccos-afcon-opener-against-comoros]. ### Conclusion: Morocco's Path Forward in AFCON In summary, **Achraf Hakimi's return is pivotal for Morocco as they face Zambia in a crucial AFCON match**. The team's strong performance thus far, combined with Hakimi's leadership, positions them as serious contenders for the title. 1. **Hakimi's recovery from injury has been confirmed, allowing him to play against Zambia** [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/hakimi-could-finally-make-2025-africa-cup-of-nations-bow-against-zambia]. 2. **Morocco has shown impressive form leading up to the tournament, winning 18 consecutive matches** [https://24newshd.tv/18-dec-2025/hakimi-boost-morocco-seek-end-afcon-title-drought]. 3. **The team's strategy will heavily rely on Hakimi's contributions as they aim for their second AFCON title** [https://www.gulftoday.ae/sport/2025/12/20/hakimi-declared-fit-ahead-of-moroccos-afcon-opener-against-comoros]. With these elements in play, Morocco is poised to make a significant impact in the ongoing tournament.