Abdellah Ouazane Scores Again for Ajax, Reaches Milestone Last Achieved by Gravenberch

Morocco international Abdellah Ouazane scored for the second consecutive match as Ajax defeated Sparta Rotterdam 2-1 in the Eredivisie on Sunday, October 25.

The 17-year-old opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, combining with Julian Brandt before curling a right-footed shot into the far corner.

The goal came three days after Ouazane’s stoppage-time strike against Atalanta in the UEFA Conference League.

At 17 years and 283 days old, Ouazane became the youngest Ajax player to score in consecutive matches across all competitions since Ryan Gravenberch achieved the feat during the 2019-20 season, according to Ajax.

Ouazane opens scoring against Sparta Rotterdam

Ajax started strongly at Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel, with coach Míchel Sánchez selecting Ouazane in the starting lineup.

In the 22nd minute, the Moroccan exchanged passes with Julian Brandt on the left side of the attack before cutting inside and curling his shot beyond goalkeeper Michael Brouwer.

Sparta equalized in the 43rd minute when Jens Toornstra headed in a cross from Isaac Babadi.

Ajax responded in first-half stoppage time. Brandt led a counter-attack and helped create the opening for Tolu Arokodare, who finished into the far corner to restore the visitors’ lead.

Ouazane remained involved after the break and tested Brouwer again in the 51st minute.

He was replaced by Oscar Gloukh in the 61st minute as Ajax attempted to protect their advantage.

Sparta pressed for an equalizer during the second half, but goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen made several saves to preserve Ajax’s 2-1 victory.

Youngest Ajax scorer to achieve feat since Gravenberch

Ouazane’s goal against Sparta followed his stoppage-time strike in Ajax’s 2-0 Conference League victory over Atalanta on October 22.

The Moroccan had entered that match as a substitute before scoring in the 90+3rd minute.

His latest goal gave him two goals in consecutive first-team appearances across two different competitions.

According to Ajax’s official matchday coverage, Ouazane was 17 years and 283 days old when he scored against Sparta.

The club identified him as its youngest player to score in consecutive matches across all competitions since Ryan Gravenberch, who achieved the feat at 17 years and 248 days between December 2019 and January 2020.

The achievement also came with increased playing time. After scoring against Atalanta as a substitute, Ouazane earned a starting place against Sparta and played 61 minutes.

Speaking to ESPN after the match, Ouazane explained that he had studied Sparta goalkeeper Michael Brouwer’s positioning before the game, following advice from Ajax teammate Steven Berghuis.

He said the preparation helped him identify space toward the far corner, where he placed his opening goal.

Morocco’s attacking options gain another emerging talent

Ouazane’s recent performances follow his first call-up to Morocco’s senior national team in September.

Born in Amsterdam, he has progressed through Ajax’s youth system and can operate as an attacking midfielder or winger.

Earlier this season, he provided two assists against FC Sion in Conference League qualifying, during a match attended by Morocco national-team coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

His goals against Atalanta and Sparta add to a growing record of first-team contributions.

For Morocco, his development provides another attacking option, although his future international involvement will depend on his club performances and competition for places in the senior squad.

Ouazane will now look to build on his recent appearances as Ajax continue their Eredivisie and European campaigns.