AFCON 2021 – Round 16: PSG’s Hakimi scores winning goal as Morocco secures come-back victory over Malawi

The Atlas Lions of Morocco defeated Malawi in a round 16 encounter of the AFCON to seal a place in the last eight with 2-1 come-back victory.

Malawi in the first half had only one shot on target but made a good use of it to get the leading goal through Gabadinho Mhango at the 7th minute.

It was Morocco who started the game stringing most of the passes together during the early minutes, but Malawi interfered with hard fought to get an incredible goal.

Mhango turned infield, spots the keeper off his line, and whips a huge dipping curler into the top right from silly distance! Bono wasn’t even too far out; he was on the edge of his six-yard box when he was beaten.

Morocco now came in strongly, creating great chances but the goalkeeper for Malawi did an amazing job to keep his team on the lead until the additional minutes where the one time champions had the equalizer from El-Nesyri who rises highest at the far post and powered a header through the hands of Thomu, beaten at last following a cross from Amallah.

The first half ended with an entertaining performance after Morocco bounced back strongly to level at the additional time.

The second half also gave out an amazing performance from both sides, the teams were in search for the third goal the match but the North African’s were favorites to do the magic.

The come-back victory landed at the 70th minute after PSG’s Hakimi takes a short run-up and curls an out-to-in effort up and over the wall, and back down towards the very top right-hand corner. Goalleeper Thomu had no chance to deny the kick.

The Atlas Lions maintained the lead to seal a place in the next round where they lock horns with Senegal in a striving encounter.

Morocco is one of the favorites to win the ultimate but their encounter against Senegal who are finalist in the last edition will decide the team that reaches the last four.