Moroccan forward Hamza Igamane has spoken highly of fellow countryman Ayoub El Kaabi, acknowledging him as a role model ahead of Rangers’ Europa League clash against Fenerbahçe.
Igamane Lauds El Kaabi’s Qualities
As Rangers prepare to defend their 3-1 first-leg advantage against Fenerbahçe in the Europa League Round of 16, Igamane took a moment to commend Olympiakos striker El Kaabi.
The two players crossed paths earlier this season during the tournament’s group stage, where El Kaabi, the current Europa League top scorer with seven goals in eight matches, found the net for the Greek side before Rangers salvaged a 1-1 draw.
Igamane, who came on as a late substitute in that match, has faced El Kaabi twice in his career. Their first encounter dates back to July 2021 in Morocco’s Botola Pro, when El Kaabi’s Wydad Casablanca secured a 2-0 victory over AS FAR Rabat, Igamane’s former club.
“El Kaabi is a Role Model”
Speaking to UEFA’s Europa League media, the 22-year-old striker expressed his admiration for El Kaabi.
“El Kaabi is a role model that everyone can look up to,” Igamane said. “He embodies ambition, determination, and perseverance.”
Having already earned six caps and scored twice for Morocco’s U23 team, Igamane hopes to follow in the footsteps of the experienced striker, who has 52 senior caps and 26 goals for the Atlas Lions.
National Team Aspirations
With Morocco set to announce its squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania, Igamane is eager to receive his first senior call-up from coach Walid Regragui.
The young forward’s performances with Rangers have positioned him as one of Morocco’s emerging talents, and he will be hoping to take the next step in his international career when the squad is revealed on Friday.
