Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi has defended his limited use of Achraf Hakimi during the latest international break, saying the captain’s workload was managed carefully to reduce the risk of a recurrence of his thigh problem.
Hakimi, 27, was included in the Morocco squad despite the injury concern. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back has won 103 caps and scored 12 goals for the Lions of the Atlas.
He was suspended for Morocco’s 2-0 victory over Gabon on 25 September. Four days later, he came on for the final 21 minutes of the 0-2 defeat by Lesotho in an Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier, replacing Noussair Mazraoui after the latter was injured.
Hakimi was then an unused substitute as Morocco drew 1-1 with Mali in a friendly on Sunday.
Speaking at a news conference, Ouahbi said the decision was taken as a precaution rather than because of any lack of importance placed on the experienced defender.
The manager also highlighted the contribution of Morocco’s replacements, pointing to the way they had stepped in and shown they could perform at international level. His praise was directed particularly towards the younger players, with an implied reference to Ali Maamar and Zakaria El Ouahdi.
Ouahbi also underlined the depth available to the national team, while stressing that the squad still needed to improve the links and understanding between its players.
Hakimi’s reduced involvement meant Morocco protected one of its key players while continuing to assess alternatives in the squad during the latest round of fixtures.