JOHANNESBURG - A world record run of 18 consecutive victories has set up Achraf Hakimi-inspired Morocco perfectly for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on home soil.
The streak began in June 2024 when they edged Zambia 2-1 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with the most recent a 4-0 hammering of Uganda last month in a friendly.
Spain had held the record since 2009 with 15 wins -- a mark Morocco overtook by defeating Congo Brazzaville 1-0 two months ago in another World Cup qualifier.
Morocco have scored 55 goals in the 18 matches and conceded just four, while keeping 14 clean sheets.
It is this outstanding form, home advantage and the hoped-for presence of 2025 African player of the year Hakimi that has seen Morocco installed as firm favourites to be crowned African champions.
Paris Saint-German full-back Hakimi sprained an ankle after being fouled in a UEFA Champions League loss to Bayern Munich, but initial fears that he would miss the AFCON seem to be decreasing.
Speaking after the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington at the weekend, coach Walid Regragui said: "We hope he will be available for our first match against the Comoros.
"He is doing better. He is improving. He wants to be here (Morocco). He is our leader, our captain," said the tactician who defied the odds by taking Morocco to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals in Qatar.
Hakimi, fellow full-back Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United, goalkeeper Yassine 'Bono' Bounou, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and forward Youssef En Nesyri form the core of the Atlas Lions line-up.
While Hakimi, wearing a medical boot at the awards ceremony in Rabat to protect his injury, was hailed as the best player in the continent, Saudi Arabia-based Bono won the best goalkeeper award.
Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid was not in Qatar, but has emerged as a clinical finisher. He was the leading scorer with seven goals in 2025 AFCON qualifying.