"Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz was top scorer in qualifying with seven goals, but Azzedine Ounahi, who pulls the strings in the Atlas Lions' midfield, is the man many Moroccans are hoping to see shine. A product of the country's famed Mohammed VI Academy, Ounahi endured a frustrating time at Marseille after moving to the Stade Velodrome on the back of his impressive displays at the 2022 Fifa World Cup."
"However, the 25-year-old has rediscovered some of his best form since moving to La Liga side Girona in August. Morocco, who face Comoros, Mali and Zambia in Group A, are not short in leaders in other areas of the pitch - given they also boast the continent's top goalkeeper in Yassine Bonou and experienced striker Youssef En-Nesyri - but could Ounahi be the one to step up if Hakimi is ruled out?"
The 35th Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco on 21 December and concludes with the final in Rabat on 18 January. The hosts seek their first title since 1976. Mohamed Salah aims to deliver Egypt's first AFCON since 2010 while temporarily setting aside Liverpool future questions. Achraf Hakimi faces a fitness race, increasing the importance of midfield creator Azzedine Ounahi. Brahim Diaz was top scorer in qualifying with seven goals. Ounahi developed at the Mohammed VI Academy, struggled at Marseille, and has regained form at Girona. Morocco are drawn with Comoros, Mali and Zambia. Algeria's Amoura has scored prolifically, netting 11 goals since March including a hat-trick against Mozambique, and has formed an effective partnership with Riyad Mahrez.
Read at www.bbc.com
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