Oussama Targhalline’s ambitions for Moroccan national team spotlight
Oussama Targhalline, a promising young midfielder currently playing for Le Havre in Ligue 1, has yet to earn a call-up to the Moroccan senior national team, unlike several of his U23 teammates such as Oussama El Azzouzi, Ismael Saibari, and Benjamin Bouchouari. In a recent interview, the 22-year-old candidly discussed his aspirations and the path he sees towards achieving his national team dreams.
In his conversation with Foot Mercato, the former Olympique de Marseille player, who made three appearances with the senior team, acknowledged that he has not yet been in contact with Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui.
“For the moment, I have not had contact with him,” Targhalline admitted. “Obviously, I have big ambitions with Morocco, but to claim that, above all, you have to perform well at the club. That’s the first condition, and the rest will come naturally.”
Targhalline, who hails from Casablanca, has made 14 appearances in Ligue 1 this season.
Reflecting on his achievements, he recalled the exhilarating experience of winning the U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last July, where he scored the decisive goal in the final against Egypt, securing a 2-1 victory after extra time. “It was crazy. It was the first time that Morocco won the AFCON
in the youth category, and it was at home, in Morocco, in Rabat, where I was trained. I had my family, my loved ones, my friends. It was really a dream,” he said.
“Plus, I had just been champion of Ligue 2 and a month later champion of Africa. It was really an incredible summer, a special moment which will inevitably mark my career.”
Looking ahead, Targhalline is also eyeing the upcoming Paris Olympic Games with great anticipation. The 1.86-meter midfielder expressed his desire to represent Morocco on the Olympic stage.
“Obviously, everyone dreams of playing in the Olympics, of representing their country. It’s something special,” he said.
“But, yes, it would obviously be a great pleasure to participate in these Olympics.” However, he acknowledged that his participation would depend on whether his club agrees to release him for the event.
As Targhalline continues to make his mark in Ligue 1, his focus remains on performing well at the club level, hoping that his dedication and hard work will eventually earn him a spot in the Moroccan senior national team.
Ce joueur mérite de passer un step supplémentaire !
Où aimeriez-vous voir Oussama la saison prochaine ? pic.twitter.com/WOk8RR5EA0
— SOCCER212 (@SCCR_212) May 19, 2024
