With just one month to the Africa Cup of Nations, Moroccan defensive stalwarts Achraf Hakimi and Nayef Aguerd have offered fans a reassuring glimpse into their accelerated recovery programmes after both players shared photos of an intense gym session on social media.

Aguerd, who has been sidelined with pubalgia, is currently on a strict rehabilitation schedule aimed at ensuring his return in December.

Hakimi is also racing against time, recovering from a severe ankle sprain sustained earlier in the season.

The PSG full-back began his treatment ten days after Aguerd and was initially projected to miss six to eight weeks, but he has since intensified his workload with focused indoor sessions.

Images posted by Aguerd show the duo in high spirits, smiling as they pose beside the African Ballon d’Or recently won by Hakimi on November 19.

Other photos portray a more serious mood, with both players fully concentrated, executing tailored exercises in what appears to be a private training space — a clear testament to their determination.

Morocco will be banking on the timely return of the pair as they look to reunite with captain Romain Saïss and the rest of the squad ahead of the continental showpiece.

Their progress will be closely watched as the Atlas Lions aim to arrive at AFCON with their defensive backbone fully restored.

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With the Africa Cup of Nations just a month away, Morocco has launched a major promotional drive to sell itself as the continent’s top football destination ahead of AFCON 2025 kicking off on December 21.

The Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) rolled out the “Morocco, Land of Football” campaign on Tuesday in Rabat, working in partnership with the country’s football federation (FRMF) under a long-term agreement running until 2030.

ONMT boss Achraf Fayda said the plan uses the “power of football” to showcase Morocco as a world-class tourist hotspot, backed by a series of new measures to attract visitors during the tournament.

The campaign includes special AFCON travel packages, increased flight options, global roadshows targeting African diaspora communities, and a 90-second promotional film featuring national stars Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz.

Digital tools have also been upgraded, including the YALLA app and a new AFCON section on Visit Morocco, while 24 international content creators will tour host cities to boost online visibility.

Fan zones will open across several cities, and officials say the campaign is already driving up interest and ticket demand.

Former Moroccan star Salaheddine Bassir praised the initiative, noting the country’s top-tier hotels, transport systems, stadiums and famous hospitality.

Morocco hopes the campaign will project a vibrant image of the Kingdom as it prepares to host Africa’s biggest football showpiece.

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By Kunle Solaja.

The countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has taken a vibrant turn, as the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has launched a nationwide campaign to engage citizens across the kingdom in what promises to be a grand celebration of African football.

The initiative, which began on November 11, will run for 30 days, covering all 12 regions of Morocco and reaching more than 60 municipalities. The first two stops of the tour were held in Tahannaout and Boufakrane, drawing enthusiastic participation from residents.

According to the LOC, the program aims to make AFCON 2025 truly a “CAN for all Moroccans” by bringing football excitement to every corner of the country, from major cities to remote communities.

At each stop, locals can take part in friendly football matches, interactive games, freestyle exhibitions, musical performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with Moroccan football legends. Merchandise stands and cultural showcases will also form part of the festivities, creating a carnival-like atmosphere ahead of the continental showpiece.

“This is more than a football tournament—it’s a national celebration,” an LOC spokesperson said. “We want every Moroccan, whether in urban centers or rural areas, to feel part of the story and share in the joy of hosting Africa’s biggest sporting event.”

The roadshow will continue through December, ensuring that by the time the tournament kicks off on December 21, 2025, the entire country will be united in festive anticipation of welcoming Africa to Morocco.

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