Hakim Ziyech scores INCREDIBLE long-range effort in World Cup warm-up

Hakim Ziyech marked Morocco's final pre-World Cup friendly with a wonder-strike as he scored from behind the half-way line against Georgia.

The Chelsea wide-player was brought in from the cold this September by recently appointed coach Walid Regragui after a falling out with previous incumbent Vahid Halilhodzic.

Having failed to mark his return in either of September's friendlies against Chile and Paraguay with a goal, Ziyech did so in Sharjah in remarkable fashion.

Picking the ball up inside his own half having intercepted a Georgia pass, Ziyech spotted goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili off his line and chose to try the spectacular.

An extremely technical player, noted for his long, sweeping passes during his time with Ajax - including one notable cross-field ball against Bayern Munich - Ziyech's technique appeared perfect as the ball sailed over the goalkeeper and into the Georgia goal.

It ensured Morocco went 2-0 up inside the first half an hour, allowing them to take their foot off the pedal ahead of their tournament proper kicking off against Croatia on November 23.

Reacting in wide-eyed amazement to the goal on social media, fans praised the Moroccan and cited it as justification for the country's FA having sacked Halilhodzic.

'This is why Morocco sacked a coach to get him back,' one supporter wrote.

'Not sure why Chelsea coaches don't see the magic Hakim Ziyech can create. He deserves better & Chelsea destroyed his career,' another noted.

Another pointedly referenced the former coach. 'I hope wherever Vahid Halilhodžić is he can now see the importance of Hakim Ziyech,' they wrote.

One more referenced Chelsea in their appraisal of the Moroccan. 'Ziyech is the most underrated chelsea player. What a strike,' they posted on social media.

Another social media user called it a 'masterpiece'.

'He's looking good before the World Cup,' another supporter wrote.

After their campaign kicks off against Croatia next Wednesday, Morocco then face Belgium four days later before closing out Group F when they play Canada.

They have already been tipped to achieve a remarkable feat in Qatar by Samuel Eto'o, who last week told ESPN that he was predicting a Cameroon-Morocco final at the Lusail Stadium on December 18.

'Africa has always had the potential to achieve a successful World Cup, but we haven't always shown our best face up to now,' he said.

'During the years, African teams have acquired more and more experience, and I think they're ready not only to participate in a World Cup, but also to win it.

'Cameroon will win the World Cup final against Morocco.'