Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has likened Noussair Mazraoui’s quality to that of Achraf Hakimi following his performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Comoros on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
Captain Hakimi is currently recovering from an ankle injury, which confined him to the bench while Mazraoui played from start to finish and assisted Brahim Diaz for the opening goal, while Ayoub El Kaabi scored with a spectacular acrobatic effort in the 74th minute to complete the 2-0 win.
Reacting to Mazraoui’s performance, Regragui stated that it gives him less to worry about in Hakimi’s absence.
“Without Hakimi, we could have done better, but Mazraoui is fantastic. I place him in the hierarchy as strong as Achraf, even if he has different qualities,” he said.
“There’s no question at the moment, because Hakimi isn’t ready to return, so both of them will play again.
“We can continue with a left-footer on the left side and a right-footer on the right.
“I have three super full-backs; Salah-Eddine has gone up a level and is a great left-back, Mazraoui is one of the best technically in his position.
“Sometimes we’ll be without Achraf, sometimes without Mazraoui, sometimes without Salah-Eddine.
“I don’t have any doubts or worries. In the past, without Achraf, we would have been in trouble, but now we have options. One thing is certain, however, Hakimi will play [some part in the tournament].”
Nous played a key role as Morocco began #AFCON2025 with a 2-0 win over Comoros 👏🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/xtREVl28pK
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 22, 2025
Morocco remains unbeaten at home since 2019 and will look to maintain their winning streak in their next Group A game against Mali.
