Morocco opened their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with a 2–0 victory over Gabon, but the performance was not without moments that raised questions about the team's attacking efficiency.
Among them was the decision-making of Azzedine Ounahi, who occasionally appeared too eager to pursue an individual solution when a quicker pass or more collective option could have created a greater threat.
The midfielder's technical ability has never been in question. His close control, dribbling and ability to operate in tight spaces are among the qualities that make him an important part of Morocco's midfield.
The challenge is ensuring those qualities consistently serve the team's attacking structure.
When Individual Quality Needs to Serve the Team
Ounahi is capable of taking on defenders and creating something from situations that appear difficult.
But technical ability does not mean every attacking move has to end with another dribble, an extra touch or an attempt on goal.
At international level, decision-making can be just as important as technique.
Knowing when to accelerate, when to hold the ball and, most importantly, when to release it can determine whether an attack develops into a genuine opportunity or loses its momentum.
Some Opportunities Were Missed
Against Gabon, there were several moments when the Moroccan chose to continue individually or attempt a difficult shot rather than look for teammates in potentially better positions.
Those decisions did not prevent Morocco from winning, but they did reduce the efficiency of some promising attacking situations.
Against stronger opposition, such moments can become even more significant.
When a team is trying to break down a compact defense, every attacking opportunity matters. A delayed pass or unnecessary extra touch can allow defenders to recover their positions and remove the space that was available only seconds earlier.
The Difference Between Skill and Timing
There is no reason for Ounahi to abandon the characteristics that make him an effective midfielder.
Dribbling is part of his game. So is carrying the ball forward and attempting to create something himself.
The important distinction is when those qualities are used.
A midfielder who attracts two or three defenders before releasing the ball to an unmarked teammate can use his individual ability to create a collective advantage.
The same action becomes less effective when the ball is kept for too long or a difficult shot is attempted despite a teammate being better positioned.
Reading the Players Around Him
This is perhaps the next step in Ounahi's development.
The ability to recognize the position of teammates before making the final decision can make his game considerably more efficient.
Morocco possess several attacking players capable of exploiting spaces quickly. Giving them the ball at the right moment can be just as dangerous as attempting to beat another defender individually.
For a player with Ounahi's technical qualities, improving that balance could add another dimension to his contribution.
A Winning Start With Room for Improvement
The criticism should also be viewed within the context of a 2–0 victory.
Morocco controlled the match sufficiently to secure the three points and begin their qualifying campaign positively. Ounahi remains an important technical option for Mohamed Ouahbi and has qualities that can help Morocco unlock difficult games.
The objective is not to take away his creativity, but to make it more effective.
As the Atlas Lions move deeper into the qualifying campaign and face increasingly demanding opposition, choosing the right moment to dribble, shoot or pass will be just as important as the quality of the execution itself.