Ayoub Oufkir scores on Morocco debut after surprise call-up

Ayoub Oufkir marked his first appearance for Morocco with a goal as the Atlas Lions beat Niger 5-1 at home in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

The 20-year-old AZ winger came on for Betis forward Abde Ezzalzouli with 15 minutes remaining and completed a memorable week by scoring Morocco’s final goal.

Oufkir’s inclusion in the Morocco squad had come as a surprise to Michael Reiziger, coach of the Netherlands Under-21 side. It had been reported that the winger had given his word to the Netherlands, but he chose to join Morocco instead.

He made his international debut on Friday evening, entering the match as a substitute with Morocco leading 3-1.

Yassir Zabiri had opened the scoring before Achraf Hakimi added two goals. Youssef En Nesyri then put Morocco further ahead, leaving Oufkir to make his mark late in the match.

The AZ player was in the right place at the right time during his brief appearance and sealed the result with the fifth goal.

After the match, Oufkir explained that a conversation with the Morocco coach had convinced him to accept the call-up.

“The coach called me and we spoke. I had a good feeling, and at the end of our conversation I responded positively by telling him that I wanted to come,” he said, according to Afrik Foot.