Achraf Hakimi urges unity as Morocco captain set for home AFCON return against Zambia | OneFootball

Achraf Hakimi is set to begin his Africa Cup of Nations at home on Monday, returning to face Zambia after 55 days out with a left ankle sprain.

According to L'Équipe, the injury was sustained during Paris-SG’s Champions League tie against Bayern Munich and the full-back was managed cautiously at the start of the tournament.

On Friday night he acted as an on-field agitator during the long stoppage time as Morocco drew 1-1 with Mali, almost stepping onto the pitch in his urgency.

By Sunday morning, at the pre-match press conference, his tone was firmer. He called for unity from supporters and journalists, said he disliked the boos heard at half-time of the first game and at the end of the second, and stressed that playing at home demands full backing to win.

Head coach Walid Regragui has decided to reintroduce Hakimi against Zambia, for a few minutes at least. He noted the Atlas Lions had played two matches without their best player and captain, describing Hakimi as one of the best in the world, and added the team would certainly be different with him.

Source: L'Équipe