Rise of a Football God

Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole!

Energetic fans sang around the stadium.

The Grand Stade de Tanger pulsed with raw, uncontainable energy as Egypt and Morocco clashed in this high-stakes AFCON quarterfinal.

The massive arena, perched on the northern coast of Morocco, became a cauldron of passion and pride, with over 75,000 roaring fans igniting the night.

The air was thick with tension and anticipation as waves of red, green, and white flooded the stands.

Moroccan supporters, draped in the Atlas Lions' colors beat drums and waved massive flags, creating a hypnotic rhythm that echoed through the stadium as they went all out to support their nation.

Egyptian fans, clad in the iconic Pharaohs' red, responded with thunderous chants and ululations that reverberated through the concrete walls.

There may be more Moroccan fans in this stadium, but that did not mean the Egyptians were ready to accept defeat as they roared in their few numbers at the top of their lungs to match the Moroccan intensity.

The game was yet to start.

Lined up on the pitch already, the players went through warm-up routines.

And yet, that was enough to leave the stadium going full gaga mode.

Every touch of the ball sparked an eruption of cheers or jeers, while the piercing sound of vuvuzelas added to the electric atmosphere.

The crowd surged with excitement as star players showcased their skill and dazzling footwork with the ball, a way to excite the fans and also to calm their own nerves which were clearly high in the buildup to this blockbuster game.

Egypt and Morocco held nothing back, going all out today.

The Pharaohs of Egypt started in their customary 4-3-3 formation, with the dynamic trio of Trezeguet, Omar Marmoush, and Mohamed Salah leading the line again. Behind them was the midfield trio of Fathy, Attia, and Sayed.

And in defense lined up the quadruple of Hamdy, Abdelmonem, Rabia, and Hany, with the goalkeeper, El Shenawy manning the posts for the Egyptians.

As for the Atlas Lions of Morocco, they came out in their 4-2-3-1 formation.

Al Ek Kaabi led the attack as the striker, while behind him was the regular trio of Ben Seghir in left wing, Hakim Ziyech in attacking midfield, and Brahim Diaz in the right as the right winger.

In midfield was the duo of Ounahi and Sofyat Amrabat, and the defensive quadruple comprised Attiyat Allah, Riad, Aguerd, and Hakimi.

Yassine Bono manned the post for the Moroccans.

Both had star-filled lineups, it was a clash of heavyweights.

The referee didn't waste time.

FWEEEE!

Cutting through the wave of noise around the stadium, the referee's whistle sounded the signal to start the game.

And immediately, peak football started on the pitch.

Both teams played with endless energy, eager to assert authority over the game and attack. Their energy led to an incredible end to end game at the beginning of this game as both sides struggled to balance the game.

It was tight and intense….

…nerve-wracking.

Bam! Bam!

Every play elicited amplified reactions from the fans in the stands.

Every touch of the ball sparked a louder eruption of cheers or jeers. Moments of brilliance drew gasps and applause, while missed opportunities were met with groans of anguish.

It was an extremely intense game.

As the game progressed, the tension became almost unbearable. Fans leaned forward in their seats, hearts pounding, eyes locked on the pitch.

When a certain goal was inconceivably caught by the goalkeeper, the stadium exploded in a deafening roar, accompanied by gasps of shock.

When Hakimi started those overlapping runs, combining to devastating effect with Brahim Diaz, the Moroccan fans broke out in cheers, singing loudly.

And when on the opposite side, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush did it, the Egyptian fans roared with endless energy.

All the stars showed up this game, balling out.

Hakimi took shots at goal, Brahim Diaz did too. On the opposite side, Salah and Marmoush also created chances, unleashing shots at goal and yet, there was no goal. This was because of the elite level of both goalkeepers this game.

The goalkeepers played at an elite level, keeping the game even.

Despite its intensity, the first half came to an end 0-0.

During halftime, no one had any idea what the respective nation's coaches said to their players but the players came out for the 2nd half with even more energy and intensity, Mohamed Salah especially playing like a man possessed.

BZZZ!

Like a bee, the Egyptian King buzzed.

The Moroccan left back marking him, Attiyat Allah suffered the brunt as buzzing about, Salah turned him inside out at a freakish frequency.

The left back was being burnt and stung in this game.

Like this, Salah created countless chances for Omar Marmoush and other Egyptian players who kept on missing, at other times Yassine Bono pulling off incredible saves that left you as a striker rethinking your life choices.

It was an incredible game.

Brahim Diaz was playing good since, but in the 2nd half, he soon also entered a monster level as he burnt the Egyptian players with his energetic dribbling.

This game was end to end, incredibly intense.

But due to the goalkeeper's performances, 90 minutes approached and still no goal.

"What a game we're bearing witness to here!"

"Egypt and Morocco, 2 nations with deep roots in African footballing history. Which of them will prevail today?"

"It's already 82 minutes yet no goal".

"Will it be decided by a penalty shoot?"

"And oh! Brahim Diaz is brought down outside the box!"

"It's a freekick!"

Standing up, Brahim Diaz groaned, wiping away his sweat.

As the Egyptian players set up their wall, the Moroccan attackers converged, discussing who should take the freekick.

They were all sweating and breathing heavily.

They were tired and yet, they kept on going.

"Let me take it". Ziyech suddenly said.

The others turned around to look at the ex-Chelsea player.

Hakimi walked closer. "Are you confident?"

"I'll try my best".

"That's good enough". Hakimi patted Hakim Ziyech's back to motivate him and since no one protested the decision, it was finalized.

In the 83rd minute of the game, about 25 yards away from the goal, Hakim Ziyech stood before the ball, looking at the goalposts.

FWEEEE!

The referee's whistle sounded.

Ziyech looked one last time, then he moved.

One step, two step, three step, then…

Bam!

Inclining his body to the side, Hakim Ziyech hit the ball perfectly, sending it on a delicate curving trajectory through the air.

"…!"

The stadium froze, watching.

El Shenawy, Egypt's goalkeeper moved, diving after the ball.

"…!"

Over 70,000 fans watched.

El Shenawy's hand grazed the ball, but the technique behind the shot was too insidious. The rotating ball rotated past him, sneaking past and into the net.

"…!"

For a brief moment, silence, then…

BOOM!

The Grand Stade de Tanger exploded!

"GOALLLLLLL…!!!"

Moroccan fans screamed at the top of their lungs.

"OOH MY GOD!!!"

"OHHHH MY GOD!!!"

"HAKIM ZIYECHHHHHHH!!!"

"Morocco prayed for a miracle, Ziyech answered!"

"And Morocco is leading!"

Charging towards the corner flag, Hakim Ziyech tore his clothes apart, throwing them to the side as he pumped his fists passionately, celebrating his goal with exuberant energy.

His teammates jumped all over him, celebrating with him.

The Egyptian players and fans felt deflated.

After giving Ziyech a yellow card for his unbridled celebration, the referee's whistle sounded to continue the game. Egypt tried but it wasn't enough, the game came to an end.

Morocco won 1-0.

Hakim Ziyech was the hero, winning the man of the match award.

What a game it was.