Casablanca – Moroccan international Abdellah Ouazane continued his impressive run of form on Sunday, scoring the opening goal in Ajax’s 2-1 away victory over Sparta Rotterdam in the tenth round of the Dutch Eredivisie.
The 17-year-old broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after exchanging passes with Julian Brandt near the edge of the penalty area. He then curled a right-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Michael Brouwer into the far corner.
Sparta responded shortly before halftime when veteran midfielder Jens Toornstra headed home an Isaac Babadi cross in the 43rd minute.
However, Ajax needed only a few minutes to regain the advantage. Brandt led a counterattack and provided the final pass for Tolu Arokodare, who scored in first-half stoppage time.
Sparta pushed for another equalizer after the break, but goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen made several important saves to protect Ajax’s narrow lead.
Ouazane, who started the match alongside fellow Moroccan international Sofyan Amrabat, made way for Oscar Gloukh in the 61st minute.
The victory moved Ajax provisionally into second place with 21 points, three behind league leaders Feyenoord.
Another goal for Ajax’s Moroccan talent
Sunday’s performance gave Ouazane his second Eredivisie goal of the season, following his strike against Heerenveen in August.
It also extended an impressive week for the young Moroccan, who scored his first European goal on Thursday during Ajax’s 2-0 UEFA Conference League victory over Atalanta.
On that occasion, Ouazane entered the match as a substitute before finding the net in stoppage time to secure the Dutch side’s victory.
Ajax coach Michel Sanchez rewarded the youngster with a starting place against Sparta, and Ouazane responded with another goal.
Born in Amsterdam, Ouazane joined Ajax’s academy in 2016 and signed his first professional contract in August 2025, committing his future to the club until June 2028.
His recent performances have strengthened his place in Ajax’s first-team plans during a season that has also brought his first senior Morocco call-up.
Ajax have now recorded three consecutive victories in all competitions, with Ouazane contributing goals in their last two matches.
