Abdellah Ouazane thought he had missed out on Morocco squad after checking the wrong position

At 17, Abdellah Ouazane experienced the full range of emotions when he received his first senior Morocco call-up, initially believing his name had been left out of Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad.

As the Morocco manager announced his selection for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Ajax Amsterdam player looked first among the midfielders. His name was not there.

“I told myself: it’s not a problem, it will be next time, inshaAllah,” Ouazane said.

The uncertainty lasted only a few moments. His name appeared further down the list, among the forwards.

“I called my mother straight away,” the teenager added, delighted to share the news of his first senior international selection with her.

This is not Ouazane’s first experience of representing Morocco. He already has a significant record at youth level, having helped the country win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 title before being named the tournament’s best player.

The attacking midfielder came through the Ajax academy and has since moved into the Dutch club’s first-team set-up. His start to the season, including his first decisive contributions, persuaded Ouahbi to give him an opportunity with the Atlas Lions.

The manager had also travelled to Amsterdam to watch Ouazane in person.

A few weeks later, the youngster was included among six major new faces in Morocco’s first squad since the World Cup.

A versatile attacking option

Ouazane was surprised to find himself listed as a forward, although the classification does not necessarily define the position he will occupy on the pitch.

He can play centrally, operate behind a striker or start from a wide position while helping to create attacks. His technical ability and skill in carrying the ball forward give Ouahbi an alternative option in the final third.

That does not mean he will move straight into the starting XI. Competition for places is intense and Ouazane accepts he still has “a lot to learn” from the more experienced members of the squad.

Morocco will host Gabon on Friday before travelling to Lesotho on 29 September and then facing Ghana in a friendly. The sequence of matches could give Ouazane his first senior minutes, although he will not be expected to carry the burden of a new generation immediately.

For now, the priority is to settle into the group and demonstrate in training what he can offer. Ouazane has made no attempt to hide his excitement, describing the chance to represent his country as “an honour” and saying he is ready to give everything for Morocco.

A day that began with a brief scare as he searched the squad list ended as one of the most important moments of his young career.