France, Dec. 29 -- Hakimi has sat out the tournament to nurse his left ankle which was hurt on 4 November while playing in the Champions League for his club Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich.

Though Regragui said the 27-year-old was fit and available, Hakimi was absent for Morocco's opening day win over Comoros on 21 December and the 1-1 draw against Mali on 26 December.

"What Achraf has done to come back is extraordinary," said Regragui. "What I can say is that Achraf will play. Whether he starts or not, it will be his first match at the Cup of Nations."

Morocco go into the match needing a draw to advance to the last-16 knockout stages of the 24-team competition. Victory would assure them of top spot.

"What we want - because ...