Abdellah Ouazane’s stunning maiden Ajax goal overshadowed by late Heerenveen equaliser

Seventeen-year-old Morocco international Abdellah Ouazane scored his first senior goal for Ajax with a spectacular strike against Heerenveen, but was left frustrated after his side conceded an 88th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

Ouazane started on the left wing and doubled Ajax’s lead shortly after the half-hour mark. The teenager controlled the ball with his back to goal, resisted the challenge of two defenders and created space around 30 metres out before sending an outstanding shot into the top corner.

It was a memorable individual moment, but Ajax were unable to hold on to victory after surrendering their two-goal advantage. Heerenveen’s late leveller meant Ouazane was unable to fully enjoy what should have been a landmark occasion.

“It was a beautiful goal, but I was not at all satisfied with my own performance. I tried to celebrate it with joy after scoring, but I did not really manage to,” he told ESPN Netherlands.

The teenager also admitted that he is currently playing in a position that does not suit him best. Ouazane is more comfortable as an attacking midfielder, but has been deployed on the left side for the time being.

“I have to play on the left wing for now, it is not my best position. But I have learned that anything can happen. I have to be ready,” he said.

Despite his disappointment, the goal represents a significant step in the emergence of a player already regarded as one of the outstanding talents of his age group.

Ouazane was named the most valuable player at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which he won with Morocco. Before committing his international future to the North African nation, he had represented the Netherlands at youth level.

His decision to switch allegiance was described by people close to him as the result of a lengthy process. He ultimately chose to “follow his heart” and represent Morocco instead.

That decision could soon lead to an opportunity at senior level. Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi is looking to introduce a younger generation into the national team, and Ouazane is likely to be considered for a call-up to the senior Lions of the Atlas squad in the near future.

The youngster’s potential had already attracted attention beyond the Netherlands. His name was linked with Real Madrid last summer, although the proposed move fell through at the final stage.

Ouazane instead remained with Ajax and is now beginning to establish himself around the first team. His first goal at the highest level confirms his progress, even if his reaction after the match underlined a demanding mentality.

For a player still only 17, scoring a maiden senior goal is a major milestone. Yet the teenager’s inability to celebrate fully after a fine finish also suggested that he is focused on much more than personal landmarks, particularly when Ajax fail to turn a winning position into three points.