AFCON 2023: Availability of Hakim Ziyech Uncertain but Noussair Mazraoui Threatening a Return

• Hakim Ziyech came off with an ankle injury in Morocco's group-stage win against Zambia
• The on-loan Galatasaray winger has been given his own training schedule to help him recover
• Bayern Munich's fiery defender Noussair Mazraoui could also make an appearance in San Pedro

The fitness of two players could dramatically sway a tight AFCON 2023 clash.

Morocco are doing everything they can to ensure Hakim Ziyech makes a recovery from an ankle injury while a Bundesliga star could be set for his tournament debut.

Noussair Mazraoui sustained an injury while on club duty and could be set for the Round of 16 after being rumoured for a return against Zambia.

Ziyech has two goals to his name at AFCON 2023 and would be an unfortunate exclusion for Morocco and the neutrals.

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The ankle injury he sustained is not believed to be serious but did warrant his substitution after scoring against Zambia in their final group game.

Morocco's technical teams have put together a special training and medical routine, as reported by SoccerLaduma. By the time the Atlas Lions meet Bafana Bafana in San Pedro, it would have been six days since Ziyech's knock.

At the other end of the pitch, defender Mazraouri could be ready for a timely return. The Bayern Munich defender was in line for a comeback against Zambia, but he may have been saved for South Africa.

Regragui dismissed suggestions that Mazraoui would be returning to Germany early. beINSports reported CAF's Coach of the Year saying:

“He is with us. We have no absentees. We are on our tournament plan. We are prepared."

Morocco's tussle with South Africa is the last Round of 16 match on the schedule, giving all borderline players a chance to set up an enticing football feast.

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Morocco fire warning at Bafana

Sports Brief recently reported on Morocco's assistant coach talking about revenge against Bafana Bafana.

Rachid Benmahmoud claimed Morocco were not at their best when South Africa beat them in the AFCON qualifiers.

Morocco will hope all their best players are available as Walid Regragui also had his suspension reduced on appeal.