Morocco’s Squad Announcement for the 2025 African Cup of Nations at Home!

December 21 marks a highly anticipated day as Morocco officially kicks off the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. In the stunning new stadium in Rabat, the team, led by Walid Regragui, will begin their campaign against the Comoros. With the nation longing for a new continental title—having last won in 1976—there is no room for mistakes. This year, coach Regragui has a strong squad at nearly every position.

With a pool of over thirty high-quality players, the Lions of the Atlas squad was highly anticipated and likely scrutinized by rivals. Although the captain Achraf Hakimi is still injured, there was little doubt that the Parisian right-back would be included. However, uncertainty surrounded rising star Hamza Igamane, who sustained a hamstring injury playing for LOSC against OM. His absence would be a significant blow for Morocco, who continues to search for a reliable striker.

Igamane on the Reserve List!

On Thursday, the announcement of the squad confirmed the challenging news. Hamza Igamane, not fully recovered, has been placed on the reserve list for the tournament. His condition will be monitored over the next week, and a decision will be made before the Africa Cup of Nations starts. Overall, there were no major surprises in the squad. In defense, Romain Saïss returns to add his experience alongside Nayef Aguerd. Young Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal has also been called up. In midfield, familiar faces include Azzedine Ounahi, former Havre player Oussama Targhalline, and Neil El Aynaoui, previously of RC Lens.

Up front, Walid Regragui had various options and has made his choices. He has shown confidence in Ayoub El Kaabi, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Soufiane Rahimi as forwards. Eliesse Ben Seghir, Abde Ez, Ilias Akhomach, Chemsdine Talbi, Brahim Diaz, and Ismael Saibari are also part of the squad. However, as expected, Sofiane Boufal and Sofiane Diop, who was called up for the last gathering, are not on the list. Should Hamza Igamane become fit, a central defender may be likely to be dropped, considering the list includes five center-backs.