It was expected, but it had to be earned – Morocco were big time favorites against Malawi, who were playing in their first ever AFCON knockout match, but they had to play for all 90 minutes and come from behind to secure a win and a game in the quarter-final: Morocco – Malawi 2-1. The Flames fought bravely, event took the lead after a sensational stunner from Mhango, and their keeper Thomu denied a number of clear goal chances, but eventually, stars like Youssef En Nesyri and Achraf Hakimi were too much for Malawi. In a game without controversy or red cards we saw a lot of chances, two magnificent goals and Morocco’s victory. The Atlas Lions are now in the quarterfinals of the AFCON and are waiting for the winner of Egypt-Ivory Coast match on Wednesday.2 – Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) has become the first player to score two direct free kick goals at the same Africa Cup of Nations edition since Geremi with Cameroon in 2008. Majestic. #AFCON2021 #TeamMorocco pic.twitter.com/KgDwsESKgg— OptaJean (@OptaJean) January 25, 2022 It started with Mhango’s magnificent volley from 35 meters which froze everybody at the stadium – 1-0 for Malawi in the 7th minute. The same player and Malawi’s only scorer in this year’s AFCON had another good chance in the 22nd minute, but missed the goal, and that was basically all we saw offensively from The Flames in this game. Everything else was just Morocco’s attack and Malawi keeper Thomu. Afcon 2021: [WATCH] Malawi strike the first blow against Morocco thanks to Ghabadhino Mhango. What a strike from the Orlando Pirates forward!! A peace of individual brilliance 🔥👌🏽Half-Time: – Malawi 1-1 Morocco #gfmsports pic.twitter.com/oAO1C564wQ— Gagasi FM Sports (@GagasiFMSports) January 25, 2022 Silver Strikers FC keeper has been rewarded with pieces of land and $1,200 following his man-of-the match displays in the 0-0 draw against Senegal and this was another of his excellent displays. He defended a number of excellent goal opportunities and denied Hakimi twice (free kick 27th minute and a tip in the 40th minute) and Boufal once (41st minute with his feet), while he was helpless against Sais in the 34th minute, but luckily for him, the crossbar prevented the goal. Still, the Atlas Lions scored an equalizer in injury time of the first half, with a great header from Seville’s Youssef En Nesyri. Take a bow ACHRAF HAKIMI 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/AKDb36t14A— mazine_bouzinab (@bouzinab_mazine) January 25, 2022 Malawi tried to ease the pressure from Morocco in the second half, but that didn’t last long. But, only one goal was scored in the second part of the game, but it was enough for the victory. PSG’s Hakimi was not going to be denied for the third time in this match. His third chance and second free kick was sensational and this time the land owner Thomu was helpless. After that, Morocco played with experience until the end, not scoring any more goals, but preventing another surprise from Mhango and the crew.AFCON 1/8 FINALS:TuesdaySenegal – Cape Verde 2-0 (0-0)/Sadio Mane 63, Dieng 90+2/Morocco – Malawi 2-1 (1-1)/En-Nesyri 45-2, Hakimi 70 – Mhango 7/
