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    Morocco name star-studded AFCON squad as Hakimi makes cut but Diop misses out

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    Morocco name star-studded AFCON squad as Hakimi makes cut but Diop misses out
    Morocco name star-studded AFCON squad as Hakimi makes cut but Diop misses out


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    Morocco coach Walid Regragui has named a powerful 28-man squad as the Atlas Lions prepare to host the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on home soil in just ten days.

    The squad, unveiled on Thursday, features the country’s biggest stars, led by Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, and striker Youssef En-Nesyri.

    Despite suffering a serious ankle injury recently, Hakimi has been included and is expected to miss the opening matches, but Regragui insisted his leadership is too important to leave out.

    Morocco enter the tournament under immense pressure, widely viewed as favourites after a record run of 18 consecutive victories. The home fans expect nothing less than a title—their first since 1976.

    Continuity, depth and tactical flexibility

    Regragui’s final list reinforces the spine that reached the 2022 World Cup semi-final and has dominated African football for the past two years.

    Defensive leaders Romain Saïss and Nayef Aguerd return, joined by rising Rennes centre-back Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, who continues his rapid ascent after debuting in November.

    The full-back department remains among the strongest in Africa, with Noussair Mazraoui and Adam Masina complementing Hakimi and young left-back Anass Salah-Eddine.

    In midfield, Morocco will rely on a technically gifted and dynamic group including Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari, Neil El Aynaoui, Oussama Targhalline, and the experienced Sofyan Amrabat.

    The attack features an impressive mix of established finishers and emerging talent.

     Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi lead the line, supported by creative wide players Soufiane Rahimi, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Ilias Akhomach, Eliesse Ben Seghir, and Brahim Diaz, who has transformed Morocco’s attacking play since switching allegiance.

    Key absences and surprises

    One name missing from the main squad is Sofiane Diop, who was involved in November’s fixtures but has been omitted.

    Meanwhile, forward Hamza Igamane—one of Morocco’s top scorers in club football this season—has been placed on the reserve list as he continues recovering from a thigh injury.

    He is joined by left-back Youssef Belammari, with both players eligible for call-up before the tournament begins.

    A tournament Morocco must win

    Hosting the tournament has heightened expectations. Regragui, often criticised for his pragmatism, knows that only one outcome will satisfy the public: lifting the trophy in Rabat on January 18.

    Morocco, drawn in Group A, will face Comoros, Mali and Zambia as they begin their quest for continental glory.

     

     

    Goalkeepers

    • Munir El Kajoui

    • Yassine Bounou

    • El Mehdi Al Harrar

    Defenders

    • Achraf Hakimi

    • Mohamed Chibi

    • Jawad El Yamiq

    • Romain Saïss

    • Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal

    • Nayef Aguerd

    • Adam Masina

    • Noussair Mazraoui

    • Anas Salah-Eddine

    Midfielders

    • Oussama Targhalline

    • Sofyan Amrabat

    • Ismael Saibari

    • Neil El Aynaoui

    • Bilal El Khannouss

    • Azzedine Ounahi

    Forwards

    • Brahim Diaz

    • Ilias Akhomach

    • Chemsdine Talbi

    • Youssef En-Nesyri

    • Ayoub El Kaabi

    • Soufiane Rahimi

    • Abdessamad Ezzalzouli

    • Eliesse Ben Seghir

    Reserve Players

    • Youssef Belammari

    • Hamza Igamane

     

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