Morocco's Igamane faces World Cup doubts after ACL injury in AFCON final

Hamza Igamane in action for Lille
Hamza Igamane in action for LilleReuters / Benoit Tessie

Lille striker Hamza Igamane suffered an ‍anterior cruciate ligament injury in Morocco's Africa Cup of ​Nations final against Senegal, the Ligue 1 side announced on Monday, ‌casting doubt over his participation ‌in this year's World Cup.

The 23-year-old was on the bench for the final, which Senegal won ⁠1-0, before coming on in extra ‌time as the sixth substitute. He lasted ​seven minutes before going off injured, leaving Walid Regragui's side to finish the match with 10 men.

"Tests carried out on the ‌player have unfortunately confirmed a serious injury. Hamza Igamane has indeed suffered a rupture of ⁠the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee," Lille said in a statement.

"Hamza will be unavailable for several months," it added, with the injury coming five months before the 2026 World Cup, where Morocco will face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti ⁠in Group C.

Igamane, who joined ‌Lille from Rangers in the summer, has scored nine goals in 21 games for the French side in ⁠all competitions.