Morocco’s ambitions for the Africa Cup of Nations have suffered a significant setback, as playmaker Azzedine Ounahi will miss the remainder of the tournament due to a calf injury.
The 25-year-old Girona midfielder had been instrumental during the group stage but was unable to participate in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Tanzania in the last 16.
Ounahi was seen arriving at the stadium on crutches and wearing a medical boot. His absence has raised concerns, with coach Walid Regragui confirming that he faces five to six weeks out due to a tear in his calf, an injury exacerbated during training.
“He sustained the injury yesterday. It is a recurring issue from his time with Girona, and the scar has opened up again,” Regragui explained.
Morocco will now shift focus to friendly matches in March as they prepare for the upcoming finals in North America. “In the coming days and weeks, we will assess what worked and what didn’t, ensuring we are ready for the World Cup in six months,” Broos added, emphasising the need for thorough preparation.