Africans In The UCL: Morocco well represented as Ajax lose to VAR assisted Madrid

“Ziyech had proven to be a thorn in the flesh to Real from the get go, tackling attackers and pulling together markers to count the numbers on their shirts.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Sounds like the same narrative all over again, Real Madrid turning on the screw to conquer, pretty much to the “bereavement” of countless European opponents. The final scoreline on the night read 2-1 in favor of the visiting Los Blancos but revealed little of the night’s narrative.

Unheralded Ajax completely bossed the match to say the least, but the champions worked on winning it, which they did expertly. Erik Ten Hag’s youthful side bolstered by the talents of Frenkie De Jong, David Neres, Kasper Dolberg, Noussair Mazraoui; all who are 21 years of age except 19-year-old captain, Matthijs De Ligt - were unfazed by the challenge of the seasoned, record 13-time champions league winners. The visitors who have won the trophy four times in the last 5 seasons. A total shots of 19 compared to Madrid’s 13, 50-50 ball possession, 71.4% dribbles completion rate as opposed to Real’s 38.9%, 91 recoveries against the champions’ 74 amongst many other statistics further proves the point. In fact, the whole of first half belonged to Ajax who had a goal controversially ruled out for a foul after VAR consultation, a possible pardon to Thibaut Courtois who had been caught sleeping by Nicolas Tagliafico’s header from a corner. The scores were 0-0 at half-time but one of the biggest chances of the first 45, had fallen to one of the protagonists heading into the encounter, Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech who had his tame effort punched away by the Real Madrid goalkeeper from close range. That was moments after Tadic had his own effort hit the far post. Ziyech would however make amends in the second-half.

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax in action during the UEFA Champions League Play-off 1st leg match between Ajax and Dynamo Kiev held at Johan Cruyff Arena on August 22, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Aug. 21, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

The champions broke the deadline at the hour mark, with only their second shot on target of the half as 18-year-old Vinicius Junior got the better of another Moroccan, Noussair Mazraoui. The Brazilian proved too much for the 21-year-old right back as well as two other Ajax defenders as he blazed past them to setup Benzema for an emphatic top corner finish past the 22-year-old Cameroonian goalkeeper, Andre Onana. If you are wondering, the answer is yes, they were actually quite a number of Africans on show in Amsterdam. Ziyech had proven to be a thorn in the flesh to Real from the get go, tackling attackers and pulling together markers to count the numbers on their shirts. The crowning moment came in the 75th minute as the 25-year-old Moroccan placed a shot past Courtois from a beautiful Neres cross. They could have had a second one moments later when a quick one-two between Ziyech and Tadic resulted in Dolberg blazing the final shot off target. In the end, it was Marco Asensio who came off the bench to win it for Madrid in the 87th minute by finishing off a swift counter attack.

Real Madrid would be delighted to go back to the Bernabeu with a one goal advantage, more so two away goals for that matter against a less experienced Ajax side, but nothing about their performance on the night gives the assurance that they are out of harm’s way. I am sticking to my prediction of the Dutch side upsetting the champions.

In other UCL round of 16 matches played on Tuesday, Kylian Mbappe and PSG finished it sweet and clean by overcoming Manchester United 2-0 at the Old Trafford, while Roma edge FC Porto 2-1. Before the return legs on the 6th of March, there are more champions league round of 16 fixtures coming up in the next week and we will be there to preview the matches with you.

UCL Preview: Ziyech and Ajax target the scalp of the champions

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF controls the ball during the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy between Real Madrid CF and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 11, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.

(Aug. 10, 2018 - Source: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images Europe)

There is an incredible feeling of security and surety in the Real Madrid air which had become quite rare in the past few months, since the departure of the juggernaut, Cristiano Ronaldo and former boss in Zinedine Zidane. It’s worth noting now more than ever, by reason of a solid performance put in by Los Blancos to secure a 1-1 El-Clasico draw away at Barcelona on Wednesday, in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final. However, the next Wednesday presents a new challenge, one I believe to be the most revealing. The numbers 4, 21, and 22 do not sound a lot like a perfect symphony on paper but happen to be more than that on the field of play. Santiago Solari and Real Madrid will have to find a way to discord the harmony of the triad orchestra.

The Madrid context

I am talking about Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Hakim Ziyech and their shirt numbers. Ajax FC booked a UEFA Champions League round of 16 slot after a thoroughly impressive campaign that saw them finish second in a group that also featured Benfica, Bayern Munich and AEK Athens. The Dutch Eredivisie club actually finished the group stages unbeaten and will by no means be a free pass for the record 13 time champions who usually come alive at this stage of the competition. Real Madrid seemingly have their feet in the water; two managerial appointments in 4 months, teenage signings in the summer transfer window and 8 points off bitter rivals Barcelona in the La Liga title race; all do not tell a story of “the Madrid way.” The most recent El Clasico draw at the Camp Nou did offer some hope of a new and more resilient Real but the champions league outing to Ajax should be the biggest test to their resolve, yet.

Not the same story

What do I think of course, Madrid have been in this position before, when they will be off the pace in the Spanish La Liga but then go beast mode and conquer the whole of Europe, in a typical water to wine fashion. That’s actually how their have been rolling in the past few years, including those in which they grabbed 3 champions league titles in a row. With no Ronaldo in their squad, the all-time UCL record scorer and Zidane, the orchestrator of the 3 title triumphs and adding an unpopular but solid setup of Ajax to the equation - it’s an entirely different story this campaign. Erik ten Hagen’s men are giving the vibes of Dortmund 2013 who unexpectedly went all the way to the final, even knocking out Real Madrid in the process. The Amsterdam club comprises of course the 22-year-old Cameroonian international goalkeeper, Andre Onana and the big number 4, Matthijs de Ligt - the teenager good enough to captain the side. De Ligt has been frequenting in the news as the likes of PSG and Barcelona are reported to toiling day and night to win the signature of the big, young center-half. Speaking of Barcelona, they recently acquired Ajax’s number 21, Frenkie de Jong for £65 million, the star ball playing midfielder who is tipped to help fill the void left by Xavi and Andres Iniesta. The 21-year-old de Jong links up with de Ligt from the back and ignites the final magic number, shirt number 22 where it gets even more interesting.

“However, the next Wednesday presents a new challenge, one I believe to be the most revealing. The numbers 4, 21, and 22 do not sound a lot like a perfect symphony on paper but happen to be more than that on the field of play. Santiago Solari and Real Madrid will have to find a way to discord the harmony of the triad orchestra.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax is challenged by Ljubomir Fejsa of Benfica (L) and Gedson of Benfica during the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between Ajax and SL Benfica at Johan Cruyff Arena on October 23, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Oct. 22, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

The Left-Hooker

We have featured the Moroccan here on FirstTouch, several times and was ofcourse one of the biggest topics of African football in the year 2018 when he appeared for Lions of the Atlas at the 2018 world cup in Russia. Regarded as currently one of the best playmakers in the world, Ziyech has been delivering the goods for Ajax since day 1 and Madrid will have to work on silencing the 25-year-old if they hope for a favorable result. His arm like left-foot remind me of my favorite childhood boxer who stung opponents with a left and earned the praise name, “Left-hooker.” After being deployed a bit further up the pitch as one of the front 3 in Erik ten Hagen’s 4-3-3 setup, Ziyech has proven worthy of the role.The Moroccan has since scored 12 goals and 8 others in 17 Eredivisie appearances. That is an astounding average of 1.2 goal involvement in every other match he has played.

I will just leave this one right there, who you got? Ajax or the serial champions, Real Madrid.

My Prediction: Ajax will go through to the quarter-finals by upsetting Los Blancos.

FT's 10 Best Moments of 2018: #9 Oh hail, King Hakim

At FirstTouch, we have a saying that goes like, “a year is never over until we close it.” In the spirit of that ideal, we took our time to look back at the ten most defining moments of 2018, as far as African football is concerned. Could you guess what they are? We are already on number 9.

“The 25-year-old effectively became one of the hottest playmakers in the modern game. With an arm like left foot, eagle eye for goal and horse-like work rate, Ziyech entered the class of the likes of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Lionel Messi or Juan Mata.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax is challenged by Ljubomir Fejsa of Benfica (L) and Gedson of Benfica during the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between Ajax and SL Benfica at Johan Cruyff Arena on October 23, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Oct. 22, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

By now it’s almost an undisputable fact that every football fan no matter which part of the world, have heard the names Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Liverpool’s literally high flying wing men who are arguably the best there is as far as African football is concerned and very much leading the charge as the Merseyside club soars higher. Not the same can be said about Morocco’s star man.

The year 2018 is one that Hakim Ziyech reached a level where beyond reasonable doubt, football fans everywhere would agree that he is a talent to adore. The 25-year-old effectively became one of the hottest playmakers in the modern game. With an arm like left foot, eagle eye for goal and horse-like work rate, Ziyech entered the class of the likes of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Lionel Messi or Juan Mata. How far he falls in that list is a debate for another day but he is definitely a player that increasingly deserved a mention as the year went by.

The Dutch Eredivisie player is the reigning top player in the league after winning the most recent award to celebrate his greatness. Even in the running year, he is already on seven goals and four assists in just 12 appearances for Ajax. Adding cream and extra toppings to the cake was his world cup performance for the Lions of the Atlas in Russia, though bowing out in the group stages but recognizable in his approach and football wit. Consistence became one his key attributes as the impressive showings continued even in the UEFA Champions League, leading Ajax to the knockout stages of the 2018/19 tournament. His nation loves him, bagging Morocco’s recent two goals as they sunk Cameroon in the 2019 AFCON Qualifiers to secure a place in next year’s finals.

With such talent, loads of consistence – only one can imagine how far Hakim will go in the coming year. Indeed, Oh Hail, King Hakim!