Topics: AFCON 2021, Morocco, Malawi, Hakimi Achraf
The Paris Saint-Germain star hit the target with a sensational free-kick to send his side the to next stage of the knockout round.

Morocco defender Hakimi Achraf produced one of the best strikes of the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations to book a quarter-final spot for his country in their Round of 16 clash with Malawi. The 23-year-old right wing-back scored a brilliant free-kick as the Atlas Lions secured a comeback win on Tuesday night.

In what was Malawi's first ever appearance in the AFCON knockout stage, they stood their ground and had their daring nature being rewarded in no time. Gabadinho Mhango had fired the underdogs in front after just seven minute with a sensational strike from 40-yards. However, before the half-time break Morocco responded with a deserved equalizer through Youssef En-Nesyri.

Hakimi then completed the comeback in dramatic fashion with less than 20 minutes remaining, scoring with a direct free kick - his second of the tournament so far. The strike was somewhat reminiscent of the one scored by Comoros' Youssof M'Changama in Monday's 2-1 defeat to Cameroon, with both goals now in contention for the award of the Goal of the Tournament. The PSG man's strike subsequently receieved the approval of his club teammate Kylian Mbappe.

With the win, Morocco booked a place in the last eight where they will take on either Ivory Coast or Egypt. Watch the Hakimi's match-winner below: