The stadium lights were burning bright on Tuesday, illuminating Paris Saint-Germain’s intense Champions League battle against Bayern Munich. But for Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi, the thrill of the match turned into a nightmare just before halftime.
A sharp, reckless tackle from Bayern winger Luis Díaz sent Hakimi crashing to the turf. He suffered a devastatingly serious sprain to his left ankle.
Though Díaz had just been the hero, scoring both goals in Bayern’s 16th consecutive win, the referee immediately brandished the red card. The victory came at a terrible cost.
The Shocking Silence on the Pitch
As the crowd watched, stunned, Hakimi was forced to leave the game. His leg had twisted awkwardly during the fall. On Wednesday, his club, PSG, delivered the grim news: the international defender would be sidelined for “several weeks.”
The clock immediately started ticking. The critical question now haunting Moroccan football is simple: Will Hakimi be fit for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)? The prestigious tournament, which Morocco is proudly set to host, begins on December 21.
A Rival’s Regret and a Nation’s Fear
Even the player responsible for the injury felt the weight of the moment. Luis Díaz immediately expressed his deep regret online. “It was an emotionally charged evening,” Díaz posted. He noted the unpredictable nature of football:
“Football always reminds us that in 90 minutes, anything can happen, the best and the worst.” He sent a sincere message: “I wish Hakimi a speedy return to the pitch.”
Now, the 22-year-old Hakimi’s world narrows entirely to the rehabilitation room. His presence is not just desired; it is vital for the Moroccan national team’s hopes on home soil.
The Double Blow
The injury presents a major crisis for both club and country. PSG immediately loses a key defensive and attacking weapon just as crucial league fixtures approach.
Furthermore, Morocco faces the very real possibility of competing in the entire AFCON tournament without its most influential right-back, potentially shattering their chances of lifting the trophy in front of their own fans.
Hakimi’s personal race to fitness against the calendar is now the central drama of African football.
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