Very hard to believe that one of Morocco's finest footballers Hakim Ziyech does not play with the national. But that is very true since relationship between the player and Morocco's national team coach went sour a few months ago prior to the AFCON 2022.
The Mohammed V Complex, which hosted the Wydad vs Zamalek match this Saturday in the African Champions League, vibrated under the chants in honor of Hakim Ziyech. Many fans chanted the player's name for a long time as the Atlas Lions' coach Vahid Halilhodzic arrived at the stadium to watch the game.
Hakim Ziyech has not played for Morocco since June 2021 and is in conflict with the Bosnian-French coach. The Chelsea midfielder has missed the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon, and it is not certain that the 28-year-old will be able to continue playing for Morocco.
The 28-year-old is not sure he will be present for the double-header with DR Congo on 26 and 29 March in Kinshasa and then in Casablanca in the play-offs for the 2022 World Cup. In addition to being snubbed by the Atlas Lions' coach, Hakim Ziyech recently declared his international retirement.
Les supporters wydadis chantent « ALLEZ ZIYECH ! » à Vahid présent au stade Mohamed V !
Via @Fatizmbq pic.twitter.com/IPrGpCCpfz
— SOCCER212 (@SCCR_212) February 26, 2022
Despite this, Moroccan fans hope to see Ziyech back in the national team's colors one day.
It should also be noted that Vahid Halilhodzic also attended the Raja vs Horoya match, also counting for the third day of the Champions League group stage, on Friday 25 February.
The player has been arguably Chelsea's best player since the start of 2022 and his absence from the AFCON in Cameroon could partly account for Morocco's ousting in the competition.
