Ayoub Oufkir inspires AZ Alkmaar comeback after Morocco call-up

Ayoub Oufkir marked his first Morocco call-up by scoring and winning the decisive penalty as AZ Alkmaar came from 3-1 down to beat Groningen 4-3 in the Eredivisie on Sunday.

The 20-year-old winger was named in Mohamed Ouahbi’s Morocco squad four days before the match. He could hardly have provided a stronger response, changing the game during a decisive second-half appearance.

AZ were trailing at home after 54 minutes when Oufkir supplied the spark they needed. The Morocco international finished a move through the centre with a precise shot in the 61st minute to reduce the deficit.

AZ then drew level before Oufkir again became central to the turnaround. Late in the match, he went through on goal and was challenged by the visiting goalkeeper, whose intervention was judged to have resulted in a penalty.

Groningen disputed the decision, but Meerdink converted from the spot in added time to complete the comeback. The visitors’ goalkeeper was sent off after reacting angrily to the ruling.

Oufkir had transformed a match that appeared to be slipping away from AZ in the space of half an hour. He came close to scoring a second goal in the closing seconds and now has three goals in the league and six in all competitions this season.

His performance reflected the qualities Ouahbi highlighted when explaining his selection.

“Oufkir is a very, very dynamic player, very quick, very technical, who turns very, very quickly, who is capable of beating opponents and also has a very good delivery,” the Morocco manager said.

Those attributes persuaded Ouahbi to include the winger in the senior squad, although Oufkir’s route to the national team differs from that of several other young players currently being introduced by the coach.

Born in Rotterdam, Oufkir represented the Netherlands at youth level and had only recently been involved with the Dutch under-21 side. After receiving his first Morocco call-up, he informed the KNVB of his decision to represent Morocco.

His Dutch background, technical ability, dribbling and quality on the ball have quickly led to comparisons with Hakim Ziyech. The description of Oufkir as the “new Ziyech” remains premature, however, as he has yet to play a minute for Morocco.

He is no longer an unknown prospect. A regular starter in the Eredivisie, Oufkir has been producing for AZ Alkmaar and has already shown he can influence a high-pressure match without being rushed through his development.

Morocco’s two matches against Niger, on 13 and 17 November, will give Ouahbi the opportunity to assess his latest attacking option at international level.

Oufkir’s call-up has already provided momentum. His first appearance for the Lions of the Atlas could begin an important new chapter in his career.