PSG defender delivers decisive moments in friendly overshadowed by late injury scare
Achraf Hakimi emerged as the standout performer as Morocco national football team played out a 1-1 draw with Ecuador national football team in an international friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The match, part of both teams’ preparations for the global tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, saw Hakimi deliver a series of influential contributions that defined the encounter.
According to performance data from SofaScore, the Paris Saint-Germain defender earned a rating of 7.3 out of 10, underlining his impact across key phases of the game.
Key role in Morocco’s goal
Hakimi played a direct role in Morocco’s equaliser, contributing to the goal scored by Nael El Aynaoui. His involvement in the attacking sequence highlighted his importance not only in defence but also as a creative outlet for the Atlas Lions.
Throughout the match, Hakimi demonstrated his ability to influence play in both halves of the pitch, reinforcing his status as one of the team’s most dependable performers.
Closing in on historic milestone
The appearance against Ecuador also carried personal significance for Hakimi. With this match, he reached 94 international caps, equalling the tally of the late Ahmed Faras and becoming the joint second-most capped player in Morocco’s history.
He now trails only Noureddine Naybet, who holds the record with 115 appearances.
Given his current form and age—27—and his standing as one of the most valuable Arab players, Hakimi appears well positioned to surpass that record in the coming years, potentially becoming Morocco’s most capped player.
Gesture of selflessness draws praise
One of the defining moments of the match came in the 62nd minute when Morocco were awarded a penalty. Despite being the team’s regular penalty taker, Hakimi opted to hand responsibility to El Aynaoui.
The decision was widely interpreted as a gesture of trust and team spirit. Although El Aynaoui missed the penalty, and a subsequent rebound effort was disallowed, Hakimi’s action earned praise for its humility and leadership.
The episode also illustrated the strong camaraderie within the Moroccan squad, with players supporting one another despite the missed opportunity.
Late injury scare raises concerns
The match concluded with a moment of concern for Morocco. In the 88th minute, Hakimi delivered a precise corner kick that was headed into the net by El Aynaoui.
However, the subsequent celebration took an unexpected turn. During the celebration, El Aynaoui collided with Hakimi, making contact with his face and causing an apparent dental injury.
Hakimi fell to the ground in visible discomfort, prompting concern among teammates and supporters, particularly given the proximity of the World Cup.
Influence beyond the scoreline
Despite the draw, Hakimi’s performance stood out as a defining feature of the match. From his attacking contribution to his leadership on the field, he played a central role in Morocco’s display.
While the late injury scare cast a shadow over the result, the overall performance reinforced Hakimi’s importance to the national team as they continue preparations for the World Cup.
