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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As the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco gathers pace, Tunisia’s head coach Samy Trabelsi has set his sights on nothing less than a semi-final finish — a target that could put him on a collision course with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, one of their group opponents.

The Carthage Eagles have arrived at the tournament with a fearsome record: 22 goals scored and none conceded during their World Cup qualifying campaign.

That run has made Tunisia one of the continent’s form teams — and, on paper, one of the toughest nuts for Nigeria to crack in Group C, which also features Uganda and Tanzania.

Trabelsi, who previously led Tunisia at the 2013 AFCON and was a losing finalist as a player in 1996, says his team is no longer content with just participating.

“We’re not here to send messages to anyone,” he told CAFOnline.com. “We respect all our opponents, including Nigeria, but our goal is to compete seriously and aim for a top-four finish — and, if possible, more.”

The 56-year-old coach, who once guided Tunisia to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in 2011, has built his side around defensive organisation and swift, structured counterattacks. His approach has earned Tunisia the nickname “the Italians of Africa”, a reputation they intend to reinforce in Morocco.

Nigeria, on the other hand, are expected to test that famed Tunisian discipline with their wealth of attacking options, from Victor Osimhen to Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze. For Trabelsi, however, the Super Eagles’ pedigree only adds to the motivation.

“Nigeria remains a continental powerhouse, with a vast pool of talent in top European clubs,” he said. “But AFCON is unpredictable. You can never take anything for granted.”

The Tunisian tactician is counting on experience and cohesion to make the difference. Veterans like Youssef Msakni, Ellyes Skhiri, and goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said are expected to anchor a squad blending youth and experience.

“To win trophies, you need something extra,” Trabelsi admitted. “Tunisia has been consistent — qualifying for almost every AFCON and several World Cups — but consistency must now translate into success.”

For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who are seeking to reclaim the continental crown last won in 2013, Tunisia’s resurgence is both a warning and a challenge.

The two nations have developed a fierce rivalry over the years, with Tunisia famously knocking Nigeria out of the 2004 AFCON on penalties in Rades, before Nigeria exacted revenge in later editions.

This time, both teams meet again in Morocco — in a group that could easily produce surprises. Yet, for Trabelsi, the message remains clear: Tunisia are in Morocco not just to compete, but to win.

“I’d love to see the headline, ‘Congratulations to Tunisia — a strong campaign rewarded,’” he said confidently.

Whether that headline comes to pass may depend on how his “Italians of Africa” handle the pace, flair, and firepower of Nigeria’s Super Eagles — a team equally determined to soar back to the top of African football.

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By Kunle Solaja.

Exactly 50 days to the kick-off of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has unveiled a specially branded aircraft in the vibrant colours of the competition. It is a special way of celebrating the Kingdom’s role as host of Africa’s biggest football event.

The unveiling ceremony took place on Saturday, marking a symbolic milestone ahead of the tournament, which will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

“Our aircraft proudly displays the colours of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, through a special livery — a symbol of pride, passion, and unity,” the airline stated.

“From the pitch to the sky, Royal Air Maroc carries the spirit of African football.” In anticipation of a surge in travel during the competition, Royal Air Maroc announced a major boost in its flight operations, with more than 660 additional flights planned over the tournament period.

This extensive mobilization is designed to facilitate the smooth transportation of supporters, teams, officials, and media representatives between Morocco’s six host cities — Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, and Fez — all of which are preparing to welcome visitors in a festive, football-inspired atmosphere.

The launch of the AFCON-themed aircraft comes as part of a strategic partnership signed in April 2025 between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Royal Air Maroc, under which the national carrier was named the Official Global Partner of CAF’s major competitions.

This collaboration underscores RAM’s growing role as a key ambassador of Moroccan hospitality and a pan-African brand committed to supporting the continent’s premier sporting events.

With its AFCON-themed livery soaring across the skies, Royal Air Maroc seeks to embody Morocco’s passion for football, commitment to excellence, and readiness to host Africa in what promises to be a spectacular celebration of sport and unity.

As the countdown to AFCON Morocco 2025 continues, the airline’s message is clear:
“From the pitch to the sky, Morocco is ready to welcome Africa.”

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