A Bicycle-Kick Masterpiece in the Opening Match of the Africa Cup of Nations
Ayoub El Kaabi produces a moment of pure brilliance.
The Africa Cup of Nations is underway — a tournament that traditionally brings headaches to European clubs forced to part with their African stars. Victor Osimhen, Bryan Mbeumo, Omar Marmoush and other top names have left their teams to compete in a continental competition that will conclude on January 18.
The opening match featured tournament hosts Morocco national football team against Comoros national football team. On paper, the gap in quality was enormous. In reality, the underdogs resisted bravely — and even avoided a heavy defeat.
But Comoros’ resilience quickly became secondary. This night belonged to Ayoub El Kaabi.
Underdogs Hold On — for a While
Comoros have reached the knockout stage of AFCON only once in their history and sit 108th in the FIFA rankings, alongside nations like Lebanon and Vietnam. Their squad lacks star power — unlike Morocco’s.
Achraf Hakimi arrived at the tournament not fully fit and started on the bench, but Morocco still fielded an impressive XI including Yassine Bounou, Noussair Mazraoui, Nayef Aguerd, Ismael Saibari, Sofyan Amrabat and Brahim Díaz.
It was Brahim who won a penalty in the 10th minute after being brought down by Mohamed. However, Soufiane Rahimi of Al Ain failed to convert. Comoros goalkeeper Pandor guessed right, diving to his right and saving the spot-kick with his knee — a save straight out of Igor Akinfeev’s playbook.
Morocco Dominate, but Without Goals
Morocco piled on the pressure, constantly delivering balls into the box. Yet they suffered an early blow: captain Romain Saïss was pushed in the back by Said, tried to continue, but left the pitch in tears in the 19th minute due to injury.
Comoros defended ferociously, throwing themselves into tackles and showing little interest in attacking — and who could blame them? Their plan worked. The first half ended scoreless.
Brahim nearly won another penalty but was penalized for handball instead. Aside from the missed spot-kick, Morocco created very little from open play: just 0.09 xG in the first half, plus 0.07 xG from set pieces. Even 79% possession failed to make a difference.
The Breakthrough — and Growing Drama
Early in the second half, following a cross from Salaheddine, El Aynaoui nearly scored with an acrobatic effort, but lacked precision. Comoros stayed disciplined — until the 55th minute.
Amrabat found Mazraoui on the right edge of the box. After battling with Boura, Mazraoui fired a low cross into the middle, where Brahim Díaz arrived to slot the ball into the left corner. 1–0 Morocco.
Comoros briefly threatened a response, but Bounou rushed out smartly to deny Said. Pandor continued his heroics, saving efforts from Mazraoui and then Amrabat on the rebound. M’Changama even tested Bounou with a powerful long-range strike that nearly caught the keeper off guard.
El Kaabi Delivers Pure Magic
All of that faded into insignificance once Ayoub El Kaabi entered the scene.
The Olympiacos striker came off the bench and, in the 74th minute, spotted a lofted pass from Salaheddine. El Kaabi launched himself into the air and smashed a stunning bicycle kick into the near corner.
A masterpiece. A goal worthy of capital letters.
It is genuinely hard to imagine what El Kaabi’s competitors will need to do to prevent him from winning Goal of the Tournament after that moment.
A Perfect Opening Night
Morocco pushed for a rout, but never found a second breakthrough. It didn’t matter. Fans left the stadium far from disappointed.
Thanks to Ayoub El Kaabi, the opening match of AFCON delivered a moment that will be replayed all tournament long. Morocco will also face Zambia and Mali in the group — and those fixtures promise to be far more demanding tests.
Published by Patrick Jane
23.12.2025