Abdellah Ouazane’s first appearance for Morocco was a moment he will remember for the rest of his career.
The Ajax midfielder came off the bench during the Atlas Lions’ 2–0 victory over Gabon at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, making his senior international debut in front of a home crowd and with his father watching from the stands.
For a young player taking his first steps with the national team, the occasion carried a meaning that went far beyond football.
A Debut Made Even More Special
Speaking to Winwin, Ouazane expressed his happiness at finally representing Morocco at senior level.
Playing for his country was already a major moment, but having his father present made the experience even more meaningful.
The youngster spoke proudly about representing Morocco on home soil and experiencing the atmosphere inside the stadium alongside his family.
It was a fitting setting for the beginning of his international journey.
Starting With a Moroccan Victory
The debut also came on a positive night for the Atlas Lions.
Morocco opened their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with a 2–0 win over Gabon, with Noussair Mazraoui breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute before Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory late in the second half.
Ouazane entered the match with Morocco already in control, gaining his first taste of senior international football during an important competitive fixture.
The three points gave the team the perfect start to the qualifying campaign and added another positive dimension to his first appearance.
Aiming to Win With Morocco
The Ajax youngster is not looking simply to be part of the national team.
Ouazane made it clear that he wants to become a meaningful contributor and ultimately help Morocco compete for major trophies.That ambition reflects the expectations surrounding a player who has developed within one of Europe’s most respected football academies.
His immediate task will be to continue developing, gain experience around Morocco’s established internationals and take advantage of every opportunity that comes his way.
Learning From Morocco’s Biggest Stars
The teenager also revealed the players he looks up to inside the national team.
Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou and Noussair Mazraoui were among the figures he identified as role models.
The presence of those experienced internationals gives the younger generation an opportunity to learn from players who have already established themselves at the highest level of European and international football.
For Ouazane, sharing the dressing room with such figures represents another important part of his development.
The Next Challenge Awaits
Morocco will now shift their attention to their second AFCON 2027 qualifier against Lesotho on September 29 in South Africa.
After beginning the campaign with three points in Rabat, the Atlas Lions will aim to maintain that momentum on the road.
For Ouazane, the journey has only just begun.
His first senior appearance has now been recorded, his father witnessed the moment from the stands, and the Ajax youngster has taken his first step into Moroccan international football.
The next challenge will be turning that memorable debut into the beginning of a lasting role with the Atlas Lions.