Abdellah Ouazane makes dream Morocco debut in victory over Gabon

At just 17, Abdellah Ouazane made his Morocco debut on Friday as the Atlas Lions beat Gabon 2-0, and the Ajax midfielder was involved in the move that produced his side’s second goal.

Ouazane entered in the 76th minute in place of Azzedine Ounahi, stepping into a team whose established players he had only recently watched on television. Just a few months after emerging with Morocco’s youth sides, he has now made the significant transition to the senior team.

The teenager made no attempt to hide his emotion after the match.

“Initially, it was a dream. I watched these players on television and now I can share the dressing room and the pitch with them. It’s beautiful. It’s a dream becoming reality for a 17-year-old boy like me.”

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi gave Ouazane just under 15 minutes on the field, but the Ajax player needed little time to show why he is regarded as one of Moroccan football’s leading prospects.

Morocco were still only 1-0 ahead when Ouazane helped create the decisive goal. Noussair Mazraoui had put the hosts in front in the 36th minute, after the Atlas Lions had dominated the first half and seen Ounahi strike the crossbar.

Four minutes from full-time, Ouazane released Bilal El Khannouss down the left. El Khannouss immediately laid the ball back to Soufiane Rahimi, who finished the move to make it 2-0.

The young Ajax player was not officially credited with an assist, but he had provided the important penultimate pass on his first appearance for Morocco.

Gabon posed a greater threat towards the end of the game and forced Yassine Bounou into action, but Rahimi’s goal ensured Morocco finished with a comfortable victory.

For Ouazane, however, the result was secondary to the personal significance of the occasion. Having chosen to continue his international career with Morocco, he has now made his senior debut at the age of 17.

The appearance does not guarantee him a regular place, particularly given the competition in Morocco’s attacking midfield positions. But his confidence in possession and immediate contribution to Rahimi’s goal offered an impressive introduction to senior international football.

Morocco will face Lesotho on Tuesday in the second matchday of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Following the fulfilment of his “dream” against Gabon, Ouazane may soon have another opportunity to add to his brief experience with the senior side.