The Africa Cup of Nations has officially started, with Morocco taking on Comoros in the first match last night.
Manchester United‘s right-back Noussair Mazraoui started in place of Achraf Hakimi, who is recovering from an injury that kept him out since early November.
Mazraoui made the most of his chance and was one of Morocco’s standout players, assisting the first goal scored by Brahim Diaz in the 55th minute.
He delivered a low cross to Diaz, who connected perfectly to score the opening goal.
After the match, Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui praised Mazraoui, comparing him to Hakimi, who was named African Footballer of the Year last time.
Regarding the two defenders, Regragui told ESPN: “Without Hakimi, we could have done better, but Mazraoui is fantastic. I rank him alongside Achraf, even though they have different skills.”
When talking about future matches and his available full-backs, Regragui stated: “There’s no question right now, as Hakimi isn’t ready to return. So, against Mali, both Mazraoui and Anass Salah-Eddine will play again.”
He added: “I have three excellent full-backs; Salah-Eddine has improved significantly and is a solid left-back, and Mazraoui is among the best technically in his position.
“There may be times without Achraf, without Mazraoui, or without Salah-Eddine.
“I have no doubts or concerns. Previously, we would have struggled without Achraf, but now we have options.”
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