RABAT, Morocco — The collective holding of breath across Morocco ended this morning. Achraf Hakimi, the Atlas Lions' talismanic captain and the continent’s reigning football king, will start in tonight’s decisive Group A fixture against Zambia.

For the millions of expectant fans filling the streets of Rabat—and the thousands of Kenyans tracking the tournament from Nairobi—this is not just a lineup change. It is a statement of intent. After a stuttering 1-1 draw against Mali that drew rare jeers from the home crowd, the hosts have been desperate for a spark. They have found it in their PSG superstar.

The Lion Roars Back

Hakimi has been sidelined since November, nursing a nagging injury sustained during a Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. His absence was palpable in Morocco’s opening games: a functional 2-0 win over Comoros and that frustrating stalemate with Mali. Without his explosive overlaps on the right flank, the Atlas Lions looked toothless in attack.

Head Coach Walid Regragui confirmed the news that has sent odds tumbling across betting markets from Casablanca to Westlands. "What he has done to come back is extraordinary," Regragui told reporters at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. "Achraf will play. We need our captain to secure the group."

The stakes are deceptively high. While Morocco sits atop Group A with four points, a slip-up against the desperation of Zambia could complicate their path to the knockout stages. The hosts need a win to guarantee top spot and a favorable draw in the Round of 16.

Zambia’s Desperate Stand

Facing the hosts is a Zambian side fighting for its tournament life. The Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) have drawn both their opening matches—a 1-1 gridlock with Mali and a goalless frustration against Comoros. With just two points, they likely need a win to progress automatically, though a draw might squeeze them through as one of the best third-placed teams.

Zambia’s form, however, is worrying. They are winless in their last six competitive outings. Their attack has failed to register a single shot on target in their last match, a statistic that will have Morocco’s defense licking their lips. Yet, in African football, the cornered underdog is often the most dangerous animal.

The Kenyan Perspective

Why does this matter in Nairobi? Beyond the sheer spectacle, Hakimi represents the pinnacle of African talent—a player whose market value hovers around €65 million (approx. KES 9.8 billion), a figure that dwarfs the entire budget of most local leagues. His return shifts the dynamics for Kenyan fans, many of whom have placed their faith (and stakes) on a Moroccan tournament victory.

For the neutral observer, tonight’s clash offers a tactical masterclass: can Zambia’s disciplined low block withstand the reintegration of the world’s best attacking right-back? Regragui is banking on it.

"We want to go as far as possible," Regragui emphasized, shutting down talk of resting players. "Tonight, the real tournament begins for us."