Rise of a new Hadji

By Mohammed Fajah Barrie
BBC Sport, Tunis

Hadji (l) celebrates his goal against Algeria with Marouane Chamakh

It usually takes a long time for a footballer to catch the eyes of the world but that is not the case for Morocco's Youssef Hadji.

With just seven caps to his credit, Hadji is now seen as the star the Atlas Lions discovered at the 2004 Cup of Nations.

The lanky forward is the younger brother of former Moroccan international Mustapha Hadji, yet the 23-year-old is attracting attention through action not association.

Hadji catapulted himself into the spotlight when he came on as a second-half substitute against Nigeria in Morocco's opening game in Group D, and scored the only goal of the match to topple the Super Eagles.

The France-based player then struck another vital goal for the Atlas Lions in the quarter-finals when, as a second-half substitute again, he scored a brilliant individual goal in extra-time to finish off Algeria and avoid the looming lottery of a penatly shoot-out.

And the striker continued his fine goalscoring form when netting in Morocco's 4-0 demolition of Mali in Wednesday's semi-final.

My elder brother Mustapha inspired me to play football Youssef Hadji

Hadji's rise is thanks in no small part to the strategies of Atlas Lions coach Badou Zaki who has brought a number of young and talented players into his experienced team.

Joining elder statesmen such as Morocco captain Noureddine Naybet, players such as Jaouad Zairi, Marouane Chamakh and Youssef Hadji - all of whom are forwards - have injected fresh impetus into the side and become key figures.

Hadji, who only made his international debut in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago five months ago, sees the Cup of Nations as a stepping stone.

"I've scored two vital goals for my country in this cup, and I believe this is a good beginning to a successful football career for me," the Moroccan told BBC Sport before the semi-final against the Eagles.

Hadji helps Morocco snatch dramatic win

The forward also revealed that Mustapha, who the 23-year-old strongly resembles, was instrumental in making him pursue a career in football.

"Everybody knows that my elder brother was a great player, and he inspired me to play football," Hadji explained.

"I used to watch him playing and I am determined to follow his footsteps."

"Mustapha has encouraged me to play decent football and is giving me the right brotherly advice needed to reach the top."

Hadji scores his extra-time goal against Algeria

Youssef Hadji was born in the village of Ifrane in Morocco's Agadir province in February 1980, but left for France, where the family grew up, when only two-years-old.

He is currently playing his club football for French side Bastia, whom he joined from his first club Nancy in July 2003.

Hadji is a regular with Bastia, for whom he has scored six goals this season, and it is likely that bigger European clubs will bid for him as a result of his good performances in the Nations Cup.