Ayoub El Kaabi makes history: sets African record in European Cup
Moroccan football sensation Ayoub El Kaabi etched his name into the annals of football history by setting a remarkable African record during Olympiakos’ thrilling journey in the Europa Conference League.
In a scintillating display of prowess, El Kaabi propelled Olympiakos to the final of the Europa Conference League with a sterling performance, confirming his status as a prolific goal-scoring maestro.
Following their resounding 2-4 victory over Aston Villa in the first leg, Olympiakos sealed their place in the final with a commanding 2-0 triumph on home soil in the second leg.
Throughout the semi-final tie, El Kaabi emerged as the catalyst for Olympiakos, delivering a breathtaking hat-trick in the initial encounter in England before adding a brace to his tally in the return leg at the Karaiskakis Stadium.
With five goals across both matches, El Kaabi ascended to rarefied heights, surpassing iconic figures such as Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o to etch his name in European football folklore.
His feat of scoring five goals in the semi-finals of a European Cup campaign since Radamel Falcao’s heroics with Porto in 2011-2012 is a testament to El Kaabi’s exceptional talent and unwavering determination.
Notably, at the age of 30, El Kaabi becomes the first African player to register 15 goals in a single European season, a milestone that solidifies his place as a trailblazer for African football on the continental stage.
With his indelible mark on the Europa League and Conference League, El Kaabi’s achievement resonates far beyond individual accolades, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring footballers across the African continent.
As the footballing world celebrates his historic achievement, El Kaabi stands tall as a symbol of African excellence in the global arena.
🇲🇦 Ayoub El Kaabi est le 1er joueur à inscrire 5 buts en demi-finales lors d’une saison en Coupe d’Europe depuis Radamel Falcao avec Porto en Europa League en 2011/12. #OLYAST
— Stats Foot (@Statsdufoot) May 9, 2024
