Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, has expressed optimism that star defender Achraf Hakimi will recover in time to feature at next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite suffering a serious ankle injury that has ruled him out of action for the rest of 2025 with Paris Saint-Germain.

Speaking during a press conference in Rabat on Thursday to announce Morocco’s squad for their upcoming international friendlies, Regragui assured fans that every effort is being made to ensure the 26-year-old right-back is fit for the Atlas Lions’ AFCON opener against Comoros on December 21.

“Let me be clear… We’ll do everything to make sure Achraf Hakimi is 100% fit to face Comoros in the opening match on December 21,” the coach declared. “Even if he cannot play, he’ll still be there with us. Of course he will – he’s our best player and our leader.”

Hakimi sustained the injury earlier in the week after a reckless challenge from Bayern Munich’s Luis Díaz, which left him clutching his ankle in visible pain. Subsequent medical tests reportedly confirmed a syndesmosis rupture — a tear between the bones in the lower leg. Recovery typically requires two weeks of immobilization followed by four to six weeks of rehabilitation, raising doubts about his readiness for the tournament in Morocco’s camp.

Spanish outlet Marca reported that while Hakimi will not need surgery, he is expected to miss the remainder of the calendar year with his club, PSG. Nevertheless, Regragui remains confident in both the player’s resilience and the quality of Morocco’s medical team.

“If there’s one player who can come back quickly, it’s Achraf Hakimi,” Regragui insisted. “We have one of the best medical staffs in the world, as does PSG, with whom we maintain a strong partnership. But he will only play if he’s 100% ready.”

The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists will face Mozambique and Uganda in two preparatory friendlies on November 14 and November 18, respectively.

Regragui’s 26-man squad includes several of Morocco’s key players, such as goalkeepers Yassine Bounou and Mounir El Kajoui, defenders Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui, midfielders Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, and Bilal El Khannouss, as well as forwards Youssef En-Nesyri, Brahim Díaz, and Ismael Saibari. Rising talent Hamza Igamane is also part of the selection.

Hakimi’s fitness will be closely monitored in the coming weeks as Morocco prepares to challenge for their second continental crown — and their first since 1976. His presence, both on and off the pitch, could prove decisive for a team seen as one of the favourites to win AFCON 2025 on home soil.

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Tangier’s iconic Ibn Batouta Stadium, now rebranded as the Grand Stade de Tanger, has completed a remarkable transformation — highlighted by the installation of a state-of-the-art roof finished in a record 69 days, a feat that underscores Morocco’s growing reputation for precision engineering and world-class sporting infrastructure.

The final piece of the roof’s elastic membrane was fitted on Thursday evening, marking the completion of a massive renovation project that positions the stadium among Africa’s most advanced football arenas.

The new roof, which spans 55,000 square metres, is made of a high-performance material imported from Germany, specially designed to let in natural light while resisting corrosion and efficiently draining rainwater.

According to project officials, the construction was executed with “military precision,” reflecting Morocco’s determination to showcase its readiness to host major international tournaments — including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2030, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

A Stadium Reinvented for the Future

The roofing project is only one part of a sweeping modernization effort that has transformed the Grand Stade de Tanger into a world-class football-specific venue. Among the key upgrades are:

• *Expansion of seating capacity to approximately 75,000 spectators.
• *Removal of the athletics track to create a football-exclusive arena.
• *Installation of a hybrid grass pitch that meets FIFA’s latest standards.
• *Enhanced access and amenities for fans, media, and VIP guests.

Officials say the overhaul is not merely cosmetic but structural — aimed at enhancing the fan experience, optimizing broadcast conditions, and aligning with global stadium standards ahead of Morocco’s hosting responsibilities.

Ready for Football’s Grand Return

With construction work now complete, the Grand Stade de Tanger is set to reopen its doors for two international friendlies that will serve as its first major test runs. The Morocco national team will face Mozambique on November 14 and Uganda on November 18, both kicking off at 20:00 local time (GMT+1).

These matches will be the first opportunity for fans to experience the stadium’s transformed atmosphere — from its cutting-edge roof design to the improved seating and acoustics that promise to amplify the roar of the crowd.

Moroccan sports authorities have hailed the project as a landmark achievement in the country’s broader sporting vision.

The rapid completion and world-class design, they say, are emblematic of Morocco’s readiness not only for AFCON 2025 but also for the historic 2030 World Cup, where the Grand Stade de Tanger is expected to be one of the flagship venues.

With its sleek new look, expanded capacity, and record-breaking construction timeline, the Tangier Grand Stadium now stands as a symbol of Morocco’s sporting ambition — a bold statement that the kingdom is ready to host the continent’s and the world’s biggest football events.

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Morocco face anxious wait as star defender ruled out for up to eight weeks

Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations hopes have suffered a major setback with news that star defender Achraf Hakimi could miss the start of the AFCON 2025 tournament on home soil after suffering a severe ankle sprain during Paris Saint-Germain’s midweek Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.

According to reports from L’Équipe, AS, and Marca, the 26-year-old right-back is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, throwing his participation in next month’s continental showpiece into serious doubt.

Hakimi sustained the injury following a reckless two-footed tackle from Bayern’s Luis Díaz shortly before halftime. The Colombian was shown a straight red card after the PSG star collapsed in agony, his left leg caught awkwardly under the challenge.

While initial medical scans confirmed there was no fracture, the sprain was described as “severe.” L’Équipe reports that the player will not require surgery but faces a lengthy rehabilitation period.

Spanish daily AS suggested Hakimi could still feature if Morocco advance beyond the group stage, potentially returning for the Round of 16, while Marca was less optimistic, claiming the defender is “almost certain” to miss the entire tournament.

Hakimi’s absence would be a huge blow to the Atlas Lions, who are among the favourites to lift the trophy when the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 kicks off on December 21.

The PSG fullback is not only a defensive anchor but also a vital attacking outlet for coach Walid Regragui’s side, whose campaign begins amid soaring national expectations.

With less than two months to go before the opening match, Morocco now face an anxious wait to see whether their talismanic right-back can recover in time to play any role in their quest for continental glory.

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