AFCON 2025: Huge blow for Morocco as star midfielder is ruled out of tournament

Morocco’s AFCON 2025 campaign has suffered a major setback after one of their standout performers was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

The injury comes at a critical stage, with the Atlas Lions preparing for a tough quarter-final clash against Cameroon.

Morocco will be without midfield star Azzedine Ounahi for the rest of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Girona player was sidelined with a serious injury.

The 24-year-old missed Sunday’s narrow 1–0 win over Tanzania, a result that secured Morocco’s place in the quarter-finals, and was later spotted at the stadium on crutches with a protective boot on his left foot.

Following the match, head coach Walid Regragui confirmed that Ounahi had suffered a calf tear during Saturday’s training session.

The injury is expected to keep him out for between five and six weeks, effectively ending his tournament. His absence represents a huge blow to Morocco, especially given his importance to the team’s balance, creativity, and tempo in midfield throughout the competition.

Ounahi had been one of Morocco’s standout performers at AFCON 2025 and was widely regarded as one of the best players during the group stages.

His influence was particularly evident in the emphatic 3–0 victory over Zambia, where he delivered two assists and was named man of the match. Losing such a creative force at this stage significantly weakens Morocco’s chances of going all the way.

To compound their problems, Morocco will also be without experienced centre-back Roman Saïss for the quarter-final against Cameroon, as the defender has likewise been ruled out of the tournament.

With two key players sidelined, Walid Regragui now faces the challenge of reshaping his squad as the Atlas Lions aim to keep their AFCON dream alive despite mounting adversity.