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Achraf Hakimi Suspended for Morocco's AFCON 2027 Openers

2026-08-08 · Achraf Hakimi · Player Focus

Achraf Hakimi will miss Morocco’s opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho due to a two-match suspension. The Paris Saint-Germain defender and Morocco captain was penalized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Committee following incidents after the 2025 AFCON final against Senegal.

What happened?

The suspension stems from events after the 2025 AFCON final, where Morocco lost to Senegal. CAF’s Disciplinary Committee imposed the ban, which applies only to official AFCON qualifying matches. Hakimi’s absence will be a significant blow to Morocco’s defensive setup, as he plays a central role in both leadership and tactical execution.

Why it matters for Achraf Hakimi

Hakimi’s leadership and defensive prowess are crucial for Morocco. As captain, his absence will test the team’s resilience in the early stages of the qualifiers. The suspension also highlights the consequences of post-match incidents, emphasizing the need for discipline in high-stakes competitions.

What comes next?

Morocco will face Gabon and Lesotho without Hakimi, but he will be available for subsequent qualifiers. Meanwhile, midfielder Ismael Saibari will miss the Gabon match but return for the Lesotho fixture after a partial appeal reduced his suspension.

Key Takeaways:

  • Achraf Hakimi suspended for two AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
  • Morocco faces Gabon and Lesotho without their captain.
  • Ismael Saibari’s suspension reduced, allowing him to play against Lesotho.
  • Hakimi’s absence poses a defensive challenge for Morocco.

More Achraf Hakimi news →