Morocco has confirmed a strong 26-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and the biggest development is the inclusion of injured captain Achraf Hakimi. The full-back, who sprained his ankle after a foul during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, remains central to the Atlas Lions’ plans as the country prepares to host the tournament.
Head coach Walid Regragui explained the decision to keep Hakimi in the squad during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington. Regragui said: “We hope he (Hakimi) will be available for our first match against the Comoros.” The opener will take place on December 21 in Rabat, marking the start of a highly anticipated AFCON edition on home soil. Regragui added more on the captain’s progress, noting: “He is doing better. He is improving. He wants to be here (Morocco). He is our leader, our captain.”
How Is Morocco Preparing for a Competitive Group A?
Morocco enter AFCON 2025 with a clear objective. They want a second continental title after last winning the tournament in 1976. The format at the time featured a final mini-league group, where Morocco drew with Guinea to secure the top spot. Nearly five decades later, they host with a squad that blends experience, European club pedigree, and rising talent.
The Atlas Lions are placed in Group A alongside the Comoros, Mali and Zambia. The structure of the tournament allows the top two teams from each group to automatically reach the knockout stages. They will be joined by the best four of the six third-placed teams. This gives Morocco a wide pathway to advance, but the home crowd expects a strong group performance that sets the tone early.
Which Key Players Made the Final Squad?
Aside from Hakimi, several established stars headline the list. Yassine Bounou returns as the first-choice goalkeeper, while Noussair Mazraoui, Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd strengthen the defensive unit. In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat, Bilal El Khannouss, Azzedine Ounahi and Ismael Saibari provide Morocco with technical stability and control.
The attacking line includes proven options such as Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi, supported by the creativity of Brahim Diaz, Soufiane Rahimi and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli. The depth of the squad reflects Morocco’s ambition to deliver a historic AFCON run in front of home supporters.
Below is the confirmed squad list issued on Thursday:
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal/KSA), Munir El Kajoui (Renaissance Berkane), El Mehdi Al Harrar (Raja Casablanca)
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA, capt), Mohamed Chibi (Pyramids/EGY), Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Najma/KSA), Romain Saiss (Al Sadd/QAT), Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal (Rennes/FRA), Nayef Aguerd (Marseille/FRA), Adam Masina (Torino/ITA), Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester Utd/ENG), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven/NED)
Midfielders: Oussama Targhalline (Feyenoord/NED), Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis/ESP), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Neil El Aynaoui (Roma/ITA), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart/GER), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona/ESP)
Forwards: Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid/ESP), Ilias Akhomach (Villarreal/ESP), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland/ENG), Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahce/TUR), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos/GRE), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain/UAE), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis/ESP), Eliesse Ben Seghir (Bayer Leverkusen/GER)
Standby: Youssef Belammari (Raja), Hamza Igamane (Lille/FRA)
By Yockshard Enyendi
