Morocco international Abdellah Ouazane scored in stoppage time as Ajax defeated Atalanta 2-0 in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday, October 22.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder came off the bench in the 62nd minute at the Johan Cruijff ArenA and struck in the third minute of added time to secure Ajax’s victory over the Italian side.
The goal continued Ouazane’s emergence in Ajax’s first team, adding another European contribution to a season that has already earned him recognition with Morocco’s senior national team.
Ouazane seals Ajax’s victory with stoppage-time goal
Ajax had to wait until the closing stages to break down Atalanta.
The Dutch club created opportunities in the first half, with Lucas Rosa striking the post following a deflection. Jorthy Mokio and Marcos Leonardo also threatened before the interval.
Atalanta remained in contention after the break, but Ajax eventually found the breakthrough in the 87th minute when Tolu Arokodare scored after being played through by Youri Baas.
Ouazane then added the second goal in the 90+3rd minute, finishing from the left side of the penalty area after receiving a pass from Arokodare.
Ajax’s official match report described the teenager’s finish as a powerful strike.
The Moroccan had entered the match in place of Oscar Gloukh, giving him just over half an hour to influence the contest.
Another European contribution for Morocco’s emerging midfielder
Ouazane’s goal follows his two-assist performance against FC Sion in Conference League qualifying in August.
That display attracted attention in Morocco, particularly because national-team coach Mohamed Ouahbi attended the match.
As Atlas Lions Insider previously reported, Ouazane created two goals in Ajax’s 5-3 victory against Sion, strengthening his case for involvement with Morocco’s senior side.
He subsequently received his first senior Atlas Lions call-up in September.
The Amsterdam-born midfielder has developed through Ajax’s academy system and has represented Morocco at youth level.
His progress adds another attacking option to the national-team pool, although regular club appearances remain important as he competes for a larger role at Ajax.
Amrabat also starts for Ajax
Ouazane was not the only Moroccan international involved in Thursday’s victory.
Sofyan Amrabat started in Ajax’s midfield and remained on the pitch as the Dutch club secured the clean sheet.
The involvement of both players underlined Ajax’s Moroccan presence, with Amrabat providing an experienced option in midfield and Ouazane contributing from the bench.
For Morocco, Ouazane’s latest goal offers further evidence of his development at club level ahead of the November international window.
Ajax will look to build on the victory as the Conference League league phase continues.
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