By: Kwame Bediako
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele have landed in Rabat, injecting superstar sizzle into Friday night’s Africa Cup of Nations showdown between hosts Morocco and Mali at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
The French pair, arrive to cheer their longtime teammate Achraf Hakimi, as the Atlas Lions hunt a win to lock in knockout progression.
Morocco’s 2-0 opener triumph over Comoros sets a strong tone, while Mali’s 1-1 draw leaves them desperate for an upset revival.
Hakimi’s inclusion in Walid Regragui’s squad, despite lingering fitness woes that sidelined him against Comoros, hangs as the night’s big intrigue, will the pacey full-back unleash his overlaps?
Mbappe, with Cameroonian heritage, and Ballon d’Or/FIFA Best conqueror Dembele, of Malian-Senegalese stock, bridge club loyalty and roots, their presence a morale rocket for Morocco’s max-points mission.
Morocco thrives on home roar, aiming to bury Mali’s hopes early and secure last-16 passage with swagger. The Eagles, however, plot counters to exploit any Hakimi rust, sensing blood in the hosts’ second-game pressure cooker.
Dembele’s elite aura, fresh from awards glory, adds poetic tension, his cheers for Morocco clashing with Malian bloodlines in a fixture ripe for drama.
Regragui’s gamble on Hakimi underscores faith in the star’s game-breaking spark, amplified by stands-side icons who’ve shared PSG triumphs.
