Yassir Zabiri’s Morocco debut raises questions despite coach’s backing

Yassir Zabiri’s first Morocco start ended in frustration as the Racing Santander striker struggled to influence a 2-0 win over Gabon, but manager Mohamed Ouahbi has defended the 21-year-old.

Zabiri was replaced by Soufiane Rahimi after 62 minutes, with Rahimi later scoring Morocco’s second goal. Zabiri made plenty of runs but was rarely found by his team-mates and posed little threat in attack.

The opportunity had been a significant one for the forward. After a prolific start to the season in Spain, Zabiri was not merely called up to the Morocco squad for the first time; Ouahbi immediately selected him to lead the line in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

That was a notable decision given the competition for places and the pair’s previous history. Ouahbi coached Zabiri when they won the 2025 U20 World Cup together with Morocco.

However, Zabiri found it difficult to impose himself against a Gabon defence that monitored him closely. He continued to move intelligently and made repeated attempts to find space, but his team-mates were unable to supply him consistently.

His efforts produced no clear chances, and his debut ended with a 6.2/10 rating from FotMob, the lowest mark among Morocco’s starting players.

The contrast with Rahimi was stark. After coming on for Zabiri, Rahimi scored Morocco’s second goal in the 84th minute, converting a chance created by Bilal El Khannouss to seal the result.

Zabiri nevertheless chose to focus on the significance of the occasion rather than his individual performance.

“It is a great source of pride. Since I was a child, I dreamed of playing my first match as a starter, and at home as well. I thank the technical staff for their confidence. My team-mates and the supporters helped me. It was a great match.”

Ouahbi took a more favourable view than some observers, stressing the circumstances surrounding a player’s first senior international appearance.

“Yassir Zabiri is going through a good period and produced an outstanding performance despite the fact that the match was not easy, especially as it was his first effective participation with the senior national team.”

Zabiri’s call-up was justified by his form for Racing Santander, where he is on loan from Rennes. He has scored 6 goals in 7 Liga matches this season, from 14 shots and with an xG of 3.52.

His highlights include a hat-trick against Elche, a brace against Alaves and a goal at Camp Nou against Barca.

Ouahbi also knows Zabiri’s qualities better than most after overseeing his breakthrough with Morocco’s U20 side.

The move into senior international football, however, brings greater competition. This start was a chance for Zabiri to establish himself in an attack where opportunities will be limited, while Rahimi scored only minutes after taking his place.

It would nevertheless be too soon to conclude that Zabiri has missed his chance. His Liga form remains strong, and Ouahbi showed considerable faith by starting him immediately after his first call-up.

He could have another opportunity on Monday against Lesotho. After a debut defined largely by running and learning, Zabiri will now hope to reproduce for Morocco what he has done so effectively since arriving in Santander: turn the chances that come his way into goals.