Gabadinho Mhango’s goal at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations was impeccable and a thing of beauty that made a fourth official in the distant end to nod in admiration at what others did not see at the close range.
Such was the compelling piece of art that Marion Marinica, Flames’ coach, celebrated wildly like a toddler filled with joy at the sight of her favorite meal. Perhaps he was speaking to his inner self: ‘Boy, oh boy! I didn’t include this in my training session’.
Beauty is relative, and some say, rightly so, it lies in the eyes of the beholder. But there are moments we all agree when something is just irresistibly beautiful.
If Gaba’s stunning curve against Morocco doesn’t fit this perspective, then what is beauty? It comes as a surprise to no one that the piece of art has been ranked among the best ten for contenders of goal of the year by the Confederation of African Football. But what makes it an artistic stunner?
In football, goals are scored from different dimensions; some by sheer luck, others by an opponent’s tactical error, yet others emerge from the executor’s brilliance.
The Flames were playing in their maiden knockout round at the African Cup of Nations finals against one of African football giants, Morocco, who carried the fear factor.
When captain John Banda passed the ball to Gabadinho Mhango, he was surrounded by three Moroccans. When Gaba touched it the second time, two more Moroccans joined the marauding pack. It was evident he was tightly marked and was under intense pressure. He had two tactical options: pass the ball back or lay the ball to an advancing Khuda Muyaba on the other side of the pitch.
But he turned deftly and, like some god of football possessed with magic, he lifted the ball into the air with power.
The floated piece of leather flew into the far top corner beyond the reach of the hapless Moroccan goalkeeper to nestle beneath the far goal post. It was an outstanding stunner played under intense pressure. He didn’t fear anything. It was rare.
The other nine contenders for the goal of the year — Ellyes Skhari, Haithem layoun, Pape Sakho, Zohau El-Montraj, Sanna Massoudy, Yousef Mchangama, Adama Congo, Keitsumetse Dithebe, Ben Malango — all scored sublime goals, but Mhango’s is, by far, the best.
Mhango’s goal will go down in history as one of the greatest goals scored by African, more so at the African Cup of Nations finals. It is only proper for the judges to crown it as the best of the year.
