Achraf Hakimi injury casts doubt over AFCON 2025 participation

By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations hopes have been thrown into uncertainty after star right-back Achraf Hakimi suffered what appears to be a serious ankle injury during Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.

The 26-year-old limped off the pitch in tears midway through the second half following a late tackle from Liverpool’s Luis Díaz, who was sent off after a VAR review. Hakimi had to be helped down the tunnel, unable to put any weight on his right foot.

Race against time

The injury comes just seven weeks before Morocco host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations — their first time staging the continental showpiece since 1988. The Atlas Lions’ medical team and PSG’s doctors are expected to carry out scans in the coming days to assess the full extent of the damage.

Early indications suggest Hakimi could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines if ligament damage is confirmed, potentially ruling him out of the tournament that runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

A devastating blow for Morocco

Hakimi has been one of Morocco’s most consistent performers in recent years, playing a pivotal role in their historic 2022 World Cup run and their qualification campaign for next year’s tournament.

His absence would leave coach Walid Regragui with a major selection headache, with no obvious like-for-like replacement at right-back. Noussair Mazraoui and Sofiane Alakouch are among the potential options, though neither offers the same blend of defensive discipline and attacking flair as the PSG full-back.

Concern across club and country

PSG, who are still chasing silverware on multiple fronts, have yet to issue an official statement. Moroccan supporters, meanwhile, have flooded social media with messages of support for the player, urging a speedy recovery.

The injury also rekindles debate over player workload, with Hakimi having featured heavily for both club and country since the start of the year.

As Morocco prepare to host Africa’s biggest football celebration, all eyes will now be on the results of Hakimi’s medical tests — results that could determine whether the host nation’s golden generation enters the tournament at full strength or a man.