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Girona Hit Hard by AFCON 2025 With a Painful and Unexpected Injury Blow for Morocco
AFCON 2025 delivers another harsh reminder for European clubs, as one worrying image sends shockwaves all the way to LaLiga.
A worrying image in the middle of AFCON 2025
The AFCON 2025 has once again left its mark beyond African football, and this time Girona FC are among the biggest victims. Alarm bells rang when Azzedine Ounahi arrived at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on crutches, wearing a protective boot on his left leg ahead of Morocco’s Round of 16 clash against Tanzania.
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The midfielder’s serious expression and limited mobility quickly confirmed fears both in Morocco and back in Catalonia. Ounahi was immediately ruled out of the match, and it soon became clear that his AFCON campaign had come to an abrupt and painful end.
The diagnosis that raises concern in Montilivi
Reports from Spain revealed that the injury occurred during a training session prior to the match, with Ounahi suffering a problem in his left soleus muscle. While Girona are still awaiting the final medical report, early estimates suggest a recovery period of six to eight weeks, a scenario that significantly complicates matters for head coach Míchel Sánchez.
With Girona navigating a demanding stretch of the season and in urgent need of points to avoid slipping deeper into trouble, losing one of their most influential players is a setback that goes far beyond the continental tournament.
A key signing whose absence leaves a major void
Signed last summer from Olympique de Marseille for €6 million, Ounahi quickly became one of Girona’s most decisive players. In just 10 appearances, the Moroccan international had already registered three goals and two assists, bringing creativity, tempo, and balance to the midfield.
His immediate impact made him a cornerstone of Girona’s system, and his absence now forces the coaching staff to rethink their tactical approach. Once again, AFCON proves costly for European clubs relying on African talent during the heart of the season.
Morocco lose a key engine as Girona wait anxiously
For Morocco, Ounahi’s injury represents the loss of a dynamic and influential presence at a decisive stage of the tournament. For Girona, attention now shifts to surviving the coming weeks without one of their standout performers.
As the Catalan side prepare for their upcoming LaLiga fixture against Mallorca, optimism is limited to hopes that Ounahi’s recovery does not extend beyond initial projections. AFCON 2025 continues to shape narratives far from the stadiums of Morocco — and not always in a positive way.
