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Abdellah Ouazane makes striking Morocco debut against Gabon

Sunday 27 September 2026 - 11:50

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Abdellah Ouazane has made an eye-catching introduction to senior international football, with Spanish sports daily AS highlighting the Ajax Amsterdam midfielder’s promising first appearance for Morocco.

The 17-year-old came off the bench during the final stages of Morocco’s 2-0 victory over Gabon in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. Despite the limited time available to him, Ouazane left a strong impression with his technical ability and composure.

A debut that attracted attention

Ouazane entered the match during the final quarter of the encounter as Morocco secured victory over Gabon. His introduction marked an important step in the development of a player who has already generated considerable interest at Ajax.

AS described his first appearance for the national team as particularly noteworthy, portraying the teenager as one of the emerging talents available to Morocco.

The Spanish publication also pointed to Ouazane’s status as one of the youngest players ever to make his senior debut for the Moroccan national side.

From Ajax prospect to international player

The midfielder’s rise has been closely followed in the Netherlands, where he is part of the Ajax setup.

His transition to the senior international stage now adds another dimension to his development. Rather than remaining solely a highly regarded club prospect, Ouazane has begun gaining experience in Morocco’s first-team environment.

For a player still aged 17, the move represents a significant milestone, particularly given the level of expectations surrounding him.

A dream realised with Morocco

Following his debut, Ouazane spoke about the emotional significance of representing Morocco at senior level.

The teenager described the experience as a dream becoming reality, underlining the importance of the moment after making his first appearance for the Lions of the Atlas.

His debut also places him among a select group of very young players to have represented Morocco's senior national team.

Ouahbi highlights personality as well as talent

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has also drawn attention to the qualities that allowed Ouazane to receive an international opportunity at such a young age.

According to AS, the coach pointed to the midfielder’s personality and his ability to remain composed under pressure as important factors behind his selection.

Ouahbi also praised Ouazane’s technical qualities and described him as a player with significant potential for the future of Moroccan football.

A new stage in Ouazane's development

The Gabon match was only the beginning of what could become a long international career for the Ajax midfielder. His limited playing time nevertheless provided an early opportunity to experience the demands of senior international football.

For Morocco, the emergence of another young attacking midfielder adds depth to a squad combining established internationals with a new generation of players seeking to establish themselves.

Ouazane will now continue his development at Ajax while gaining valuable experience from his first involvement with the senior national team.

His debut against Gabon has already placed him firmly under the spotlight, with AS among the latest observers to identify the teenager as one of the emerging names to watch in Moroccan football.