Comoros star goes 'full James Ward-Prowse' with sublime free-kick in AFCON clash
Comoros midfielder Youssouf M’Changama sent fans wild after rocketing in a free-kick from more than 35-yards, leading some to claim he's been watching Southampton's James Ward-Prowse
Comoros star Youssouf M’Changama evoked the spirit of Southampton set-piece master James Ward-Prowse as he thundered in a free-kick during the Africa Cup of Nations last-16 defeat to Cameroon.
The small island nation were forced to play left-back Chaker Alhadhur in goal from the very first minute of their clash against the tournament hosts and were down to ten men after their captain was sent off after just seven minutes.
They found themselves 2-0 down to the Indomitable Lions in the second-half despite several valiant interventions by makeshift keeper Alhadhur, including a stunning double save.
And despite eventually losing the tie, a sensational set-piece scored by no.10 M’Changama ensured they were knocked out in style.
With all hope seemingly lost and less than ten minutes of normal time to go, M’Changama, who plays for Guingamp in Ligue 2, stepped up to take a free-kick from more than 35 yards out.
What followed was a majestic strike which rocketed goalwards before dipping into the top-left hand corner beyond the reach of Andre Onana.
Described as “one of the cleanest strikes you’ll ever see” by the commentators, M’Changama’s free-kick resulted in emphatic celebrations and a nervy finish for Cameroon.
Meanwhile, fans on social media rushed to voice their disbelief at the majestic strike by the midfielder, with some comparing it to those scored by Southampton captain and set-piece specialist Ward-Prowse in the Premier League.
Is M'Changama's strike the best free-kick you have ever seen? Let us know in the comments section.
One fan joked: “You can only applaud a strike like that. Great goal [I] like to think JWP inspired him though.”
Another commented: “Absolutely Prowsed it.”
A third added “@Prowsey16 would be proud.”
Others chimed in with compliments like “Best free Kick in the world this season” and “Take a bow son”.
Ward-Prowse recently thrashed a beautiful free-kick into the top-right corner against Wolves in what some called “one of the best of all time”.
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