There is a particular cruelty to football's timing. Hamza Igamane had waited his entire life for this moment – a major tournament on home soil, the chance to lead Morocco's attack in front of his own people. Now, less than two weeks before the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off, the 22-year-old lies in the treatment room with an adductor injury that could rob him of everything.
A night that turned sour at Pierre-Mauroy
Friday evening at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy should have been a celebration. LOSC were hosting Marseille in one of Ligue 1's marquee fixtures, and Igamane was where he belonged – leading the line from the first whistle. Ethan Mbappé's early strike had given Lille the lead, the home crowd was bouncing, and everything seemed set for another memorable night in the north.
Then came the 25th minute. Igamane pulled up, his hand immediately reaching for his right thigh. The stadium fell quiet as medical staff rushed onto the pitch. Despite a brief attempt to continue, the pain proved too much. As Olivier Giroud jogged on to replace him, Igamane walked off with his head bowed, knowing exactly what was at stake.
Genesio's cautious words offer little comfort
Speaking from Berne ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash against Young Boys, Bruno Genesio chose his words carefully. The Lille manager knows the weight of expectation resting on his striker's shoulders, and he refused to offer false hope.
"I'm not a medical specialist," Genesio admitted. "All I can say is the pain is located in the right adductor. As for how long he'll be out, I cannot say anything more at this stage. The decision regarding AFCON will be taken by the national team coach, the medical staffs and the player, in perfect coordination."
The uncertainty is perhaps the cruellest part. Adductor injuries are notoriously unpredictable – some heal in days, others linger for weeks. "This type of injury is very random," Genesio acknowledged. "There have already been discussions between the staffs. New examinations must be carried out to determine what will happen for Hamza. We'll know more very soon."
From Glasgow to Lille – a meteoric rise
Those who watched Igamane light up Ibrox last season will understand why Morocco cannot afford to lose him. The striker arrived at Rangers in July 2024 as a relative unknown from Wydad Témara, a young man who had learned his trade playing barefoot in the streets of his hometown, using stones as goalposts.
What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Under Philippe Clement, Igamane developed into one of Scottish football's most exciting talents. His Europa League performances were electric – a brace against Nice, a goal against Tottenham – and by season's end, he had claimed both the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award and Goal of the Season.
When LOSC came calling in August 2025 with a five-year contract, it felt like the natural progression for a player destined for the top. He announced himself on his debut with a double against Lorient and hasn't looked back since, becoming the Dogues' primary attacking threat.
Morocco holds its breath
For Walid Regragui and the Atlas Lions, the timing could not be worse. Morocco is not merely participating in this AFCON – they are hosting it. The pressure to perform in front of their own supporters, in their own stadiums, is immense. Igamane was expected to be central to those ambitions.
The anxiety in Moroccan football circles is palpable. Achraf Hakimi has also been managing fitness concerns, training separately from the group as the tournament approaches. To lose Igamane as well would be a devastating blow to a nation dreaming of lifting the trophy on home soil.
In the streets of Témara, in the working-class neighbourhood of Massira 2 where a young Hamza first kicked a ball, they will be praying. In the stands at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille supporters who have grown to love their Moroccan number nine will be hoping. And somewhere in between, medical staffs from club and country will be poring over scans, trying to determine whether a dream can still be saved.
Football, as ever, waits for no one. The AFCON begins on December 21st. The clock is ticking, and all Morocco can do is hold its breath.
