At 17, Rayan Azouagh becomes the youngest goalkeeper in Botola history

This Sunday, September 30, Rayan Azouagh was called upon to replace the injured Badr Benachour during the goalless draw (0-0) against FUS Rabat, on the occasion of the 6th day of Botola Pro Inwi. The young goalkeeper played more than 51 minutes without conceding a goal and made a few decisive saves during this confrontation. A performance that paves the way for a new generation of talent in a key position.

After Yassine Bounou and Reda Tagnaouti, Rayan Azouagh enters the ranks of Moroccan goalkeepers who begin their careers so young, unlike others who often begin their careers beyond the age of 20. By taking his place in the goals of Ittihad of Tangier, Rayan joins a line of excellent goalkeepers who have established themselves from the start with their respective clubs.

The number 1 goalkeeper of the Moroccan selection, Yassine Bounou, started at the age of 20 with Wydad of Casablanca during the return match of the 2011 Champions League final against Esperance of Tunis (0-1), replacing Nadri Lemyaghri ; injured shoulder. In the Moroccan championship, Bono played his first match against Difaa El Jadidi, where the Casablanca club lost (1-0) at the Mohamed V Sports Complex.

For Reda Tagnaouti, third goalkeeper of the Atlas Lions at the time, he also moved to Ittihad Tangier in 2016, where he won the Strait club’s only title. Tagnaouti began his sporting career at the age of 19 with RS Berkane in March 2015, playing his first official match against FUS Rabat (1-1), replacing Mounir Lemrabet, also injured.

In September 2023, Azouagh participated in a preparation camp with the U17 national team in Murcia, Spain. This internship was an opportunity for him to compete against renowned teams such as Spain, Portugal and England, allowing him to gain valuable experience and prepare himself to take on high-level challenges. He was one of the 23 players called up by former U17 coach Said Chiba.

Rayyan Azouagh is undoubtedly a player to follow. While no news has been communicated regarding the injury of IRT first goalkeeper Badr Benachour and the duration of his unavailability, Rayyan could have the opportunity to gain experience and show his talent.