Rabat – Moroccan youth international Abdellah Ouazane scored his first goal in European competition on Thursday evening, as Ajax defeated Italian side Atalanta 2-0 in the second round of the UEFA Conference League league phase.
The 17-year-old midfielder entered the match in the 62nd minute and played a crucial role in the closing stages at the Johan Cruijff Arena.
Ajax had struggled to turn their attacking opportunities into goals despite controlling much of the encounter. The deadlock finally broke in the 87th minute when Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare gave the Dutch side the lead.
Six minutes later, Ouazane completed the victory with an impressive individual effort.
After receiving a headed pass from Arokodare, the Moroccan advanced into the penalty area, beat his defender and fired a powerful left-footed shot from a tight angle. The ball struck the underside of the crossbar before entering the net, leaving Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi with little chance.
Read Also: L’Équipe Sees Bright Future for Morocco’s ‘New Gem’ Abdellah Ouazane
Speaking to Ziggo Sport after the match, Ouazane expressed his delight but remained modest about his achievement.
“It was a really nice goal, but we’re keeping our feet on the ground,” he said.
The victory gave Ajax their first three points of the Conference League campaign after their 2-1 defeat to Hajduk Split in the opening round.
For Ouazane, this was a step in his development at the Amsterdam club, whose youth academy he joined in 2016.
Born in Amsterdam in January 2009, the midfielder signed his first professional contract with Ajax in August 2025, and committed his future to the club until June 2028.
He had already attracted attention through his performances for Morocco’s U17 national team.
In April 2025, Ouazane helped the Atlas Cubs win their first U17 Africa Cup of Nations title and earned the competition’s Best Player award.
His latest performance offers further encouragement as he continues to establish himself in Ajax’s senior squad.
