AFCON 2025: Algeria and Morocco hold their breath

The medical verdict for Hamza Igamane (LOSC) and Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg) is awaited with the fervor and anxiety that characterize these great events. Their potential withdrawal could reshape the fate of the competition.

Hamza Igamane: Adductor Alert for the Atlas Lion
The most recent bad surprise hit Morocco. Friday evening, during the 15th day of Ligue 1 between LOSC and Olympique de Marseille, Hamza Igamane, one of the new offensive nuggets of the Atlas Lions, had to give up his place prematurely. Just 26 minutes into the game, the striker from Lille collapsed, visibly hit the adductors.

Despite an attempt to resume play, he was finally forced to leave the field, leaving a freezing silence in the bays of Pierre-Mauroy. The player, who made a remarkable start to the season with LOSC (he is even the top scorer of his club), is a key element in the offensive dynamic desired by Walid Regragui for the AFCON at home. The coach from Lille, Bruno Genesio, was cautious in a press conference, highlighting the uncertainty that hangs over the diagnosis:

“Hamza felt a small stretch in the adductor. I haven’t checked with the doctor yet. We’ll see how it evolves tomorrow.”

If the first information reported by the medical staff of LOSC rule out an immediate package, the term «stretching» is sufficient to trigger a race against the clock. The in-depth reviews are expected in the coming hours and will determine whether Igamane, whose impact was supposed to be decisive on his lands, will have to declare withdrawal.

On social media, Moroccan fans are multiplying messages of support, like the official account of Ligue 1 in English which tweeted: "Wishing Hamza Igamane a speedy recovery". The host country holds its breath, fearing to lose its new offensive weapon before time.

Mohammed Amoura: Muscular issues for the Algerian

On the Algerian side, the concern around Mohammed Amoura is not new, but it reaches a climax with the approach of the AFCON. VfL Wolfsburg’s striker is considered the X-factor of the new coach’s selection, Vladimir Petković, thanks to his speed and formidable efficiency in the Bundesliga.

According to recent information, the injury of Amoura, which occurred during the match against Union Berlin 13th day of the German championship with Wolfsburg, could potentially compromise his preparation for the competition. Author of an assist and his fifth goal of the season in the championship, the Algerian striker had to give up his place in the 73rd minute after feeling a pain, leaving the field visibly affected. 

For the time being, Wolfsburg has not communicated on the exact nature of his injury nor on its severity. The Algerian and German media report a "huge concern" regarding Amoura’s physical condition. The player is dealing with a complex muscular injury to his thigh (or hamstring) that appears to have worsened or has never been fully resolved.