Morocco sidelined key midfielder Ounahi through injury for AFCON remainder

Moroccos prospects of claiming the Africa Cup of Nations crown have suffered a major setback, with crucial playmaker Azzedine Ounahi ruled out for the tournaments closing stages owing to a calf muscle tear.

The 25 year old Girona central player performed superbly across the group phase yet sat out Sundays 1 to 0 triumph versus Tanzania during the last 16 knockout in Rabat.

Photographs captured him reaching the ground in the nations capital propped on crutches alongside a supportive brace encasing his left ankle, while Bilal El Khannouss filled the midfield vacancy.

"A rupture affects his calf, ruling him out of AFCON action. Expect him sidelined for five or six weeks," verified national team manager Walid Regragui post the Tanzania encounter.

"The damage arose from yesterdays practice. This stems from an earlier issue during his Girona stint where the wound has now reopened."