Walid Rkraki, head coach of the Moroccan national team, confirmed that Achraf Hakimi will play tomorrow in his first match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, during the confrontation with the Zambian team, pointing out that the final decision regarding his starting participation has not yet been made.

Rkraki said during the press conference that having a player of Achraf Hakimi's caliber is a great addition to the team, emphasizing that any coach would find it difficult to dispense with a player who has won the Best Player in Africa award, due to the technical and leadership impact he provides on the field.

The Moroccan coach explained that the team played the previous two matches in the tournament without its captain and one of its key players, without using that as an excuse to evaluate performance, noting that the other players succeeded in compensating for the absence and performed their roles well, which deserves praise.

Rkraki added that the team has a player considered one of the best in Africa and the world, yet his absence was not used as an excuse but was part of a well-studied plan aimed at gradual development, praising Hakimi's commitment and sacrifices for a quick return.

The Atlas Lions coach stressed that the technical staff is cautious about the player's readiness, while confirming at the same time that his participation in tomorrow's match is certain, with the decision to include him in the starting lineup to be made at the appropriate time, making the match against Zambia Hakimi's first appearance in the continental tournament.