Morocco midfielder Abdellah Ouzzane provides decisive assist as Ajax edge AZ Alkmaar

Moroccan international Abdellah Ouzzane played a decisive role as Ajax secured a narrow 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in their Dutch Eredivisie encounter on Saturday evening.

The 19-year-old midfielder delivered an important contribution by providing the assist for the only goal of the match, helping Ajax claim maximum points in their Matchday 11 fixture.

Playing in front of their home supporters, Ajax made a bright start to the contest and broke the deadlock in the ninth minute through Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare.

Ouzzane demonstrated his creativity by setting up Arokodare, who made no mistake in converting the opportunity to give the Amsterdam giants an early advantage.

The hosts subsequently worked hard to protect their lead, showing defensive discipline to keep AZ Alkmaar at bay throughout the encounter.

Despite efforts from the visitors to find an equaliser, Ajax held on to their slender advantage until the final whistle to record an important victory in their pursuit of the Eredivisie title.

Ouzzane’s contribution further highlights his growing influence within the Ajax setup, with the Moroccan youngster continuing to demonstrate his ability to make a difference in important fixtures.

The victory also provided a significant boost to Ajax’s position on the league standings, taking their points tally to 24 after 11 matches.

The Amsterdam-based club now occupy second position outright, just one point behind league leaders Feyenoord, keeping themselves firmly in contention for the title.

Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar remain fifth with 20 points, level on points with fourth-placed FC Twente but trailing their rivals on goal difference.

Ajax will now turn their attention to their next league assignment against FC Twente, where they will be hoping to build on Saturday’s success and maintain pressure on Feyenoord at the summit.

AZ Alkmaar, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from the defeat when they return to action in the next round of the Dutch top flight.