Ayoub Oufkir called up by Morocco

◆4 sources

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi called up AZ forward Ayoub Oufkir for two Africa Cup qualifying matches against Niger. It was Oufkir’s first call-up to the Moroccan senior team.

The 20-year-old had played for the Netherlands Under-21 side during the previous international window, including the October European Championship qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina. His expected absence is a setback for the Netherlands Under-21 team ahead of its play-off against Denmark. One report said that playing against Niger would make his international switch to Morocco final.

More on this story

Sports

Ajax’s draw with NEC

17 sources

Ajax drew 1-1 with NEC at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Tolu Arokodare gave Ajax an early lead, but Tjaronn Chery equalised from the penalty spot after Jorthy Mokio was judged to have fouled Noé Lebreton. Simon Adingra made his Ajax debut as a substitute, while Aaron Bouwman and Abdellah Ouazane also came on. The result left Ajax fifth after eight Eredivisie matches, with 15 points and five points behind leaders Feyenoord. It was Ajax’s fourth league match without a home win this season.

Sports

Ajax injuries ahead of FC Midtjylland match

5 sources

Ajax travelled to Denmark without midfielders Julian Brandt and Sofyan Amrabat for the Conference League match against FC Midtjylland. Brandt had not recovered from the injury that forced him off against AZ, while Amrabat was also injured.