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Fez – Morocco’s Atlas Lions star Achraf Hakimi’s stunning freekick against Malawi in the Africa Cup of Nations’ (AFCON) Round of 16 has been selected among the cup’s best goals.
Less than two days after announcing its list of the best eleven players, the African Football Confederation (CAF) has revealed its selection of the AFCON’s best goals of the tournament, capping Hakimi’s remarkable presence in the African competition.
Hakimi’s long-range freekick goal against Malawi sealed Morocco’s Atlas Lions qualification to the quarter-finals after a captivating yet edgy game.
The game’s winning goal was admired by football fans worldwide, with many considering Hakimi as the architect of Atlas Lions’ long-awaited qualification to the AFCON final eight.
Despite exiting the competition in the quarterfinals, Hakimi’s imposing presence in Morocco’s AFCON games was typical of a player who has consistently been ranked among the world’s best right-backs.
Even before scoring the game’s winner against Malawi, the 23-year-old right-back displayed eye-catching performances in the group stage. In a tight group-deciding game against Gabon’s Panthers, Hakimi scored another sumptuous freekick to hand Morocco the equalizer that earned them the top spot in their group.
The Paris Saint Germain star similarly played a major role in Morocco’s 2-0 win against Comoros, being a crucial threat to the Comoros defense thanks to his pace and good command of the ball.
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In Morocco’s opening game against Ghana, however, Hakimi‘s role was restricted to his defensive responsibilities against one of Africa’s toughest rivals. Still, he helped Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou maintain a clean sheet.
CAF’s collection of AFCON’s best goals included spectacular goals, such as Comoros player Youssouf M’Changama brilliant freekick against hosts Cameroon, Malawi striker Gabadinho Mhango 36-meter stunner against Morocco, and Tunisia winger Youssef Msakni’s winner against Nigeria.
