Out of favour Chelsea ace Hakim Ziyech scored an absolute worldie for Morocco in their final World Cup warm-up match that left football fans dumbfounded on social media....CONTINUE READING
The midfielder, 29, netted from inside his own half with a sizzling left-footed strike that lobbed Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili on its way into the top corner of the net.
Intercepting a loose pass from Guram Kashia on the halfway line, Ziyech took one touch to settle himself before firing a long-distance effort beyond a helpless Mamardashvili to double the Atlas Lions’ lead at the Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
Making just one Premier League start for Chelsea this season, a 2-1 defeat away at Southampton, the Moroccan star is yet to win over new manager Graham Potter but his new-found firepower may have come at just the right time – the Blues have netted just two goals in their past five matches.
Though if the scorching strike wasn’t enough to put himself in Potter’s good books, Ziyech did manage to win over several fans on social media. “Wow Hakim Ziyech, that’s special,” praised one supporter.
“I hope Graham Potter is taking notes Hakim Ziyech is the name, please unleash the beast in him,” applauded a second.
“If you look closely where the ball enters the goal, that would’ve even been a hard shot to save for a goalkeeper also if he was on his line. Insane goal,” hailed a third.
A rival Arsenal fan posted: “needs to be freed from the shackles of Chelsea.” Yet not everyone was impressed: “Scores this from 60 yards but hits the first man from corners,” jibbed an irritated Chelsea fan.
Morocco’s opening World Cup fixture takes place on Wednesday (November 23) against Croatia. Walid Regragui’s side also face Belgium and Canada, aiming to reach the round of 16 for only the second time in their history.
