• While the fans were eagerly awaiting the return of the "Flying Fullback" to lead the right flank after recovering from the injury he sustained with Paris Saint-Germain, Rekraki chose to keep him on the substitutes' bench throughout the 90 minutes.

The Moroccan national team’s failure to avoid a draw (1-1) against Mali was not the only issue occupying the sports community; rather, the “mystery” of Ashraf Hakimi’s absence from his second consecutive match stole the spotlight, leaving major question marks around the choices of coach Walid Rekraki.

Technical Silence Despite Recovery

While fans anticipated the return of the "Flying Fullback" to command the right flank after recovering from the injury he sustained with Paris Saint-Germain, Rekraki preferred to keep him seated on the substitutes’ bench for the full 90 minutes, reaffirming his trust in Manchester United star Noussair Mazraoui.

Despite the coach making five full substitutions in an attempt to break the Malian defensive code, he ignored bringing in Hakimi, who was limited to the role of “supporter,” directing his teammates from outside the lines.

3Scenarios Explaining the Absence

This technical neglect opened the door wide for experts to analyze the real reason, which boiled down to three possibilities:

• Incomplete readiness: Concerns about risking him before his recovery reached 100% physically.

• Tactical decision: Rekraki’s satisfaction with Mazraoui’s performance and preference for him at this stage.

• Saving for knockout rounds: The coaching staff’s desire to “hide” Hakimi’s card for decisive matches in the quarterfinals and beyond.

Urgent Need for Hakimi’s Solutions

The course of the match against the “Eagles” proved the Moroccan Lions’ urgent need for Ashraf Hakimi’s offensive solutions, especially against opponents’ defensive solidity. The Paris star’s ability to penetrate and create decisive moments appears to be the currently missing element.

All eyes are now on the final group-stage match against Zambia, where the main question remains: will Rekraki unleash the “Best Player in Africa 2025,” or will Hakimi continue to play the role of spectator?