Morocco has secured its place in the quarterfinals of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
On the other hand, it’s tough and devastating for Morocco’s gaffer who has so far lost two important players to injury.
Head coach Walid Regragui cut a troubled figure following the team’s narrow win over Tanzania, as he delivered a grim update on midfield maestro Azzedine Ounahi.
”The situation does not look good; Ounahi could be sidelined for five or six weeks,” Regragui admitted emotionally during the post-match press conference.
Having already missed the 1-0 victory on Sunday, the agile playmaker Azzedine Ounahi was later spotted at the stadium on crutches, his left foot encased in a protective boot.
It is a devastating blow for the Atlas Lions, who are already grappling with the loss of captain Romain Saïss, who limped out of the opening game with a thigh injury.
While Bilal El Khannouss stepped in the huge boots against Tanzania, the youngster struggled to replicate Ounahi’s unique edge.
The team will surely miss Ounahi’s signature dribbling, his ability to carry the ball from deep, and the incisive passing range that so often carves defences apart.
Morocco returns to the pitch this Friday, January 9, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium for a high-stakes quarterfinal clash against Cameroon.