Reragui Explains Ziyech’s Absence from Morocco’s AFCON Qualifiers Squad

Morocco’s head coach, Walid Reragui, has clarified the decision behind not calling up Galatasaray star Hakim Ziyech for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho. In a press conference on Tuesday, Reragui explained, “I spoke with Hakim. When he wasn’t playing with his club, people said he shouldn’t join the national team. Now he’s back from injury but hasn’t been playing, and people are asking why he isn’t here.”

Reragui added, “Ziyech has been out of competitive play for nearly two months, with only 20 minutes since our last camp in September. He needs time to regain his form with his club.”

Morocco currently leads Group B with a perfect 12 points from four games. While already assured of qualification as the host nation for AFCON 2025, Morocco aims to continue its winning momentum in the upcoming matches.