AYOUB el Kaabi, the 25-year-old forward, would be the one to keep an eye on when Morocco face Iran today in the first game of Group ‘B’. Kaabi made his international debut for Morocco on in January this year during the African Nations Championship.

He scored his first international hat-trick against Guinea, four days after his debut on Jan 13.

Kaabi might not have the sleek precision of Hakim Ziyech or the French-born Younes Belhanda but he wants to write his own story.

Kaabi plays for Renaissance Sportive de Berkane in Morocco and announced his presence as an able prospect for the country when he scored 22 goals in the 2016/17 season.

He is known to have a unique raw playing style and an easy slingy power which has made him a cult hero back at home.

With Morocco being the underdogs in their World Cup group, it will be interesting to see if Kaabi can spring a surprise and guide them through the group stages.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...