Morocco coach Walid Regragui has announced a strong 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with star full-back Achraf Hakimi included despite a recent ankle injury.
The Atlas Lions will host the tournament, which begins on December 21.
Hakimi, recently crowned African Best, is expected to miss the opening matches, but Regragui insists his leadership and influence are indispensable as Morocco chase their first AFCON title since 1976. The squad also features key figures Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, and striker Youssef En-Nesyri, underscoring the nation's ambition and depth.
Morocco enter the tournament as overwhelming favourites after a record-breaking run of 18 consecutive victories, heightening expectations among home supporters who view the title as non-negotiable.
Regragui has maintained the core of the team that reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final. Defensive leaders Romain Saïss and Nayef Aguerd return, joined by rising centre-back Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, who has enjoyed a rapid ascent since debuting in November.
The full-back group remains among Africa’s finest, with Noussair Mazraoui, Adam Masina, and Anass Salah-Eddine complementing Hakimi.
In midfield, Morocco boast a dynamic and technically gifted unit featuring Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari, Neil El Aynaoui, Oussama Targhalline, and the experienced Amrabat.
The attack blends proven scorers with emerging flair, led by En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi, supported by Soufiane Rahimi, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Ilias Akhomach, Eliesse Ben Seghir, and Brahim Diaz, whose impact since switching allegiance has transformed Morocco’s attacking play.
Sofiane Diop is the surprise absentee after featuring in November. Forward Hamza Igamane, one of the top scorers in Moroccan club football this season, has been placed on the reserve list as he recovers from a thigh injury, alongside left-back Youssef Belammari.
A must-win tournament for the hosts
With Morocco hosting for the first time since 1988, pressure is immense. Regragui is aware that nothing short of lifting the trophy in Rabat on January 18 will satisfy public expectations.
Drawn in Group A, Morocco will face Comoros, Mali and Zambia as they begin their quest for continental glory.
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