The Moroccan international came off the bench at the start of the second half during the 2–0 defeat to Mirassol, but despite the difficult result, he offered an encouraging first glimpse of what he can bring to his new team.
After becoming one of Botafogo's headline signings during the summer transfer window, the 32-year-old finally received clearance to play just one day before the match.
A New Chapter Begins in Brazil
The forward started the match on the bench after receiving his final registration approval shortly before kickoff.
With Botafogo already trailing, the coach introduced him at the beginning of the second half, giving the Moroccan his first opportunity to experience Brazilian football from inside the pitch.
Despite entering a difficult situation, he immediately looked eager to influence the game.
He became involved in several attacking moves and came close to scoring around 20 minutes after coming on, only for the Mirassol goalkeeper to deny him.
A First Glimpse of His Creativity
The debut was not only about looking for a goal.
The Moroccan also showed his ability to create danger and provide opportunities for his teammates, offering Botafogo supporters an early glimpse of the technical qualities that made him one of the club's most notable summer arrivals.
His passing, creativity and willingness to get involved in attacking situations provided encouraging signs, even though the team ultimately could not change the result.
For a player returning from a period away from competitive action, the appearance represented an important first step.
‘We Came Here to Win’
After the final whistle, the disappointment was clear.
The team had travelled with the objective of taking all three points, but a difficult first half left them with too much ground to recover.
- “We came here to win. The first half was difficult because they played very well. We have to do more and create more chances. What we showed was not enough,” he said in comments reported by Globo.
The words reflected both his frustration with the result and his determination to see the team improve.
The Moroccan Is Not Yet at 100 Per Cent
The attacker was also realistic about his physical condition.
He arrived in Brazil after his summer break, while the Brazilian season was already underway, meaning he has had to adapt to a completely different rhythm.
- “I came from a different period because I was on holiday while the season here was still going. I managed to play some minutes, and I’m not 100 per cent ready yet, but I’m on the right path, and that’s the most important thing for me,” he explained.
That gradual approach could be important as he works towards reaching his best physical level.
A Desire to Give More
Rather than focusing on his own return, the former Morocco star placed the emphasis firmly on the team.
He made it clear that his objective is to contribute wherever he is needed, both offensively and defensively.
- “I will help as much as I can. I want to help more and help the team more in attack and defence,” he said.
- “I think that’s why I came here, to help everyone at the club and try to give our best and achieve as many victories as possible.”
A Promising Beginning Despite the Result
The result against Mirassol was not what Botafogo wanted, but the first appearance offered a positive starting point for the new signing.
There is still work to do before he reaches full fitness, while adapting to a new league, a new team and a different footballing environment will take time.
But his first message has been clear: the priority is to contribute, regain his rhythm and help Botafogo win.