SOCCER: Morocco's Ounahi out of Africa Cup of Nations with leg injury

Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has been ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations due to a leg injury, the Moroccan Football Federation (FA) confirmed on Monday.

The 25-year-old Girona midfielder sustained the injury during the tournament, forcing him to watch Morocco’s round of 16 match on crutches. Morocco secured a 1-0 victory over Tanzania on Sunday to advance to the quarter-finals, with Brahim Diaz scoring the winning goal and celebrating by lifting a shirt bearing Ounahi’s name.

“Medical tests confirmed that Azzedine Ounahi has suffered a muscle injury in his leg. It was officially announced that he will miss the competition,” the Moroccan FA said in a statement.

Despite being sidelined, Ounahi will remain with coach Walid Regragui’s squad to support his teammates for the remainder of the tournament.

Hosts Morocco will face five-time champions Cameroon on Friday in the quarter-finals, aiming for a place in the semi-finals.

-Reporting by Mohamed Yossry in Cairo; Editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters