Ayoub Oufkir marks Morocco debut with goal after late call-up

Ayoub Oufkir scored on his Morocco debut after a surprise call-up capped an eventful week for the 20-year-old AZ winger.

Oufkir came on for Betis forward Abde Ezzalzouli with 15 minutes remaining as Morocco beat Niger 5-1 at home in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

The winger’s inclusion in the Morocco squad caught Michael Reiziger, manager of the Netherlands Under-21 side, off guard. Oufkir had been expected to represent the Netherlands and was reportedly understood to have given his word to them, but he opted to join Morocco.

He made his first appearance for the Lions of the Atlas on Friday evening, entering the match as a substitute with the hosts leading 3-1.

Yassir Zabiri, Achraf Hakimi, who scored twice, and Youssef En Nesyri had put Morocco in control before Oufkir was introduced.

The AZ attacker made an immediate impact, finding the right position at the right time before completing the scoring to ensure a memorable international debut.

“The coach called me and we spoke. I had a good feeling, and at the end of our conversation I gave him a positive answer, telling him that I wanted to come,” Oufkir said after the match, according to Afrik Foot.