Abdellah Ouazane, 17, has received his first call-up to Morocco’s senior squad for upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Gabon and Lesotho. The young forward discovered his selection during a live press conference, after initially believing he had been overlooked.
Ouazane’s Emotional Discovery of His First Senior Call
Watching coach Mohamed Ouahbi unveil the squad list from the training ground, Ouazane monitored the announcement carefully. When the midfield contingent was announced without his name mentioned, he resigned himself to waiting for future opportunities. “I didn’t see my name and I said to myself: it’s not a big deal, it will be for next time, inshaAllah,” he recalled.
The teenager’s mood shifted sharply moments later when his name appeared among the forwards selected for the double-header. His immediate reaction was to contact his mother and share the news, an instinctive move that underscored the magnitude of the moment. “It was a very beautiful moment and a great honor for me,” Ouazane said, pledging to deliver his maximum effort for the Atlas Lions.
A Teenager’s Path Into Morocco’s Squad Rotation
Selection at international level represents a significant step in the development arc of any young footballer, yet Ouazane is acutely aware that the journey extends beyond this single achievement. Despite his breakthrough elevation to senior competition, the forward intends to absorb lessons from established squad members. His focus centres on continued growth through exposure to elite-level football and mentorship from more seasoned professionals already embedded in the national setup.
The timing of Ouazane’s call-up reflects Morocco’s squad planning ahead of the qualifying campaign, with selectors evidently confident in his readiness to operate in a competitive international environment at such a formative age.
More Read
