Morocco’s Record-Breaking Form Fuels Afcon Title Ambitions Amid Hakimi Injury Boost

Posted : 09 December 2025

Morocco arrive at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in peak form, riding an extraordinary 18-match winning streak that began in June 2024 with a 2–1 victory over Zambia in a World Cup qualifier. Their most recent outing—a dominant 4–0 win against Uganda—extended a run in which the Atlas Lions have scored 55 goals, conceded just four, and kept 14 clean sheets. This level of consistency allowed Morocco to surpass Spain’s long-standing record of 15 consecutive victories, a milestone achieved when they edged Congo Brazzaville 1–0 in a qualifier two months earlier.

With such momentum, coupled with home advantage, Morocco have emerged as clear favourites to claim the continental crown. A major boost for the team is the improving condition of 2025 African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi, who suffered an ankle sprain during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. Initial fears over a long absence have eased, and coach Walid Regragui expressed optimism that the captain will be fit for their opening Afcon match against Comoros.

Hakimi headlines a strong core that includes fellow full-back Noussair Mazraoui, goalkeeper Yassine “Bono” Bounou, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, and striker Youssef En-Nesyri. Real Madrid forward Brahim Díaz has also emerged as a key figure, finishing as the top scorer in Afcon qualifying with seven goals. Bono was recently crowned Africa’s Best Goalkeeper, while Hakimi—wearing a protective medical boot—claimed the top player honour at the awards in Rabat.

Winning Afcon would mark Morocco’s first continental triumph since their lone title in 1976. The nation came closest in 2004, losing the final to Tunisia—a defeat Regragui experienced as a player. The coach hopes the 2025 edition brings both celebration and closure, stating his wish for fans across Africa to enjoy Morocco’s hospitality and witness his team lift the trophy.

Morocco will face Comoros on December 21, Mali on December 26, and Zambia on December 29, with all Group A matches staged at Rabat’s 68,700-seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which will also host the final. Mali, the strongest nation yet to win Afcon, aim for at least a semifinal berth under coach Tom Saintfiet, who believes his team can challenge Africa’s traditional powerhouses. Comoros, known for frustrating bigger teams, and Zambia—now under new coach Moses Sichone—round out a competitive group, with the Chipolopolo hoping to rediscover the form that brought them a historic title in 2012.

Morocco’s Record-Breaking Form Fuels Afcon Title Ambitions Amid Hakimi Injury Boost

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