El Jabali's Spectacular Goal Propels El Maghreb Fez to Victory
In a thrilling encounter that unfolded at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, El Maghreb Fez emerged victorious against Wydad Casablanca, securing their position at the pinnacle of the Moroccan league. The match was defined by an extraordinary moment, when defender Driss El Jabali executed a remarkable rabona goal from outside the penalty area, leaving the opposing defense utterly stunned. This breathtaking strike not only clinched the win for Fez but has also sparked discussions about El Jabali's candidacy for the prestigious Puskás Award.
The game saw a stalemate until the 80th minute when El Jabali, displaying exceptional technical skill, unleashed his stunning shot. Positioned just a meter away from the area, he sent the ball soaring into the top corner, eliciting wild celebrations from both the goal scorer and his teammates, who embraced in a moment of sheer joy. This moment was made possible thanks to a perfectly timed assist from Adam Brika, who found El Jabali in a prime position to execute his unexpected shot. The audacity of the rabona left the crowd in awe, and the video of the goal quickly gained traction on social media, igniting a fervent debate about its potential for the Puskás Award.
Maghreb Fez's Ascendancy and Wydad's Struggles
This victory propelled El Maghreb Fez to a total of 31 points, placing them firmly at the top of GNF 1, the highest tier of Moroccan football. Their impressive record boasts eight wins and seven draws, with no losses to date. Following closely behind are AS FAR, Raja Casablanca, and the very Wydad Casablanca they just defeated, all tied at 30 points. The local team remains unbeaten and is fervently pursuing its fifth league title, a feat that has eluded them since 1985.
On the other hand, Wydad Casablanca, one of the country's most storied clubs and a recent participant in the Club World Cup, struggled to overcome their deficit. French coach Patrice Carteron has yet to secure his first victory since taking the helm, accumulating two losses and one draw amid rising pressure. El Jabali's goal marked his second contribution to the team's scoring tally, following his debut goal for Maghreb Fez in a 2-0 win over Renaissance Zemamra the previous September. Furthermore, the team has also reached the semifinals of the Morocco Cup in 2024, only to be eliminated by AS FAR.
The Puskás Award has seen its share of Argentine talent in recent years, with Eric Lamela winning in 2021 for his rabona, Alejandro Garnacho for a stunning bicycle kick in 2024, and Santiago Montiel for a half-bicycle kick in 2025. Given the technical brilliance and difficulty of El Jabali's strike, fans on social media have ranked it among the year's best goals.
As reported by infobae.com.
