VIDEO: Ayoub El Kaabi stuns with another remarkable overhead kick at AFCON as Morocco progress to round of 16
Ayoub El Kaabi continues to shine at the African Cup of Nations, scoring another sensational bicycle kick in Morocco's victory over Zambia, securing their spot in the knockout stage. With the return of star player Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan team looks even stronger heading into the next phase of the tournament.
Ayoub El Kaabi, one of the early stars of the African Cup of Nations, has achieved a remarkable feat after scoring his second bicycle kick of the tournament. The 32-year-old Olympiacos star scored his first headline-grabbing goal against Comoros, and has now done the same against Zambia. Morocco opened their tournament with a 2-0 win over Comoros and El Kaabi stole headlines with a stunning bicycle kick that inspired the tournament hosts to a sterling victory, before following that up with a 1-1 draw against Mali. In their final group fixture, a 3-0 win over Zambia, El Kaabi did it again, throwing himself into the air to meet a cross with his back to goal, finding the bottom corner, and sparking wild celebrations. He had already scored the first goal of the game with an impressive diving header, while Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz was also on the scoresheet.El Kaabi said: “We finished top of our group. That was our objective, and it means we will stay in Rabat. Now a new competition begins, where there is no room for error. We will rest a little, and above all prepare well for the next challenges.”Morocco, who were also boosted by the return of Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi, have qualified for the knockout stages of AFCON as Group A winners. They will now have to wait to discover their opponents in the Round of 16; they will face one of the best third-placed teams, from either Group C, D or E on January 4. Morocco boss Walid Regragui told reporters: "We played well and had a solid plan that worked out well. It was not an easy match but thanks to a well thought game plan, we managed to secure the result we needed and seal our qualification. We are the home team so we must always play our games as a final. We have a very supportive crowd who are rallying behind us and that is why all the players are giving it their utmost best in every match. We look forward to the knockout stages and will continue working hard."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingMorocco were already among the favourites for the AFCON crown, but Hakimi's return will make them the team to beat in the knockout stage. The PSG right-back has recently been voted the African Footballer of the Year, on the back of a treble campaign at Parc des Princes in 2024-25. He has yet to win a major international trophy with his country.
Ayoub El Kaabi's Bicycle Kick Brilliance
Ayoub El Kaabi, the 32-year-old Olympiacos forward, has captured the attention of football fans worldwide with his exceptional bicycle kick goals at the ongoing African Cup of Nations. After his stunning strike against Comoros, El Kaabi replicated his acrobatic feat by scoring another overhead kick against Zambia, helping Morocco to a convincing 3-0 victory.
Morocco Secures Top Spot in Group A
Morocco's impressive performances in the group stage, including a win over Comoros and a draw against Mali, culminated in a resounding 3-0 triumph over Zambia. El Kaabi's goals, coupled with Brahim Diaz's contribution and the return of Achraf Hakimi, have propelled the Moroccan team to the summit of Group A, setting the stage for their knockout stage campaign.
Coach Walid Regragui's Optimism
Head coach Walid Regragui expressed satisfaction with Morocco's tactical approach and performance in the group stage, highlighting the team's unity and determination. Regragui emphasized the importance of treating every match as a final, acknowledging the support of the home crowd as a motivating factor for the players' exceptional efforts on the field.
Awaiting the Knockout Challenges
As Morocco awaits their Round of 16 opponents, El Kaabi's heroics and Hakimi's return have bolstered the team's aspirations in the tournament. With the prospect of facing a third-placed team from Groups C, D, or E, Morocco aims to build on their group stage success and advance further towards clinching the AFCON title.
Hakimi's Impact and AFCON Ambitions
Achraf Hakimi's return to the Moroccan squad adds a layer of strength and experience, making them a formidable contender for the AFCON title. As Hakimi eyes international success to complement his club achievements, Morocco's quest for glory under his leadership gains momentum as they gear up for the knockout phase.
Morocco: The Team to Beat
With their top finish in Group A and the synergy within the squad, Morocco emerges as a formidable force in the knockout stage. The collective efforts of El Kaabi, Hakimi, and the entire team, guided by coach Regragui's tactics, position Morocco as a strong contender to lift the AFCON trophy and make a lasting impact on the tournament.
