In a significant return to international duty, Abde once again featured prominently for Morocco during their opening match in the qualification phase for the Africa Cup of Nations. The Real Betis winger took to the right flank against Gabon and played until the 76th minute, when coach Mohamed Ouahbi opted to substitute him for Ouazane. Morocco emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline, with Rahimi sealing the game with a second goal shortly after Abde’s departure.
This match marked not only Abde's return to the national team but also came on the heels of a controversy surrounding a jersey he wore prior to the Villarreal-Betis match, which carried a supportive message for Ceuta. This incident sparked a wave of criticism on social media in the days leading up to the game, yet Abde managed to regain his pivotal role within the squad, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the national cause.
Following a period of injury that sidelined him before the World Cup, the young attacker has reestablished himself as a regular fixture in the lineup. The game against Gabon was notable as it marked his fourth consecutive appearance since returning from injury, showcasing his recovery and form both with Real Betis and the Moroccan national team. Although he did not directly contribute to the goals against Gabon, Abde left a positive impression during his time on the pitch. Morocco controlled the game effectively and secured the win with two goals, the first of which came before Abde's substitution, while Rahimi confirmed the 2-0 victory shortly after.
This triumph allows Morocco to kick off their qualification campaign on a strong note, earning three points and placing them in a competitive position within their group, tied with Nigeria.
International Participation of Betis Players
The international involvement of Real Betis players did not stop with Abde. Junior Firpo also made headlines by starting for the Dominican Republic, playing 78 minutes in a thrilling 3-2 win over Nicaragua, which was part of the CONCACAF Nations League's opening matches. His performance further solidifies his role with the Caribbean national team during this international break.
Meanwhile, Ángel Ortiz took to the field in the second half for the Spanish U21 team, which unfortunately suffered a setback against Finland, marking their first defeat in this qualification phase for the 2027 European Championship. The match also saw participation from former Betis players Jesús Rodríguez and Pablo García, who are currently playing for Como and Racing, respectively.
As reported by muchodeporte.com.
