Morocco coach says Hamza Igamane showed something he 'really liked' as Rangers star makes dream debut

03/22/2025 04:00 PM

There would be no debut goal for Hamza Igamane as the Rangers striker made his first Morocco appearance in Friday’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Niger.

But that mattered little to manager Walid Regragui.

The man who took Morocco to the semi-finals of the Qatar World Cup – ensuring the Atlas Lions became the first African side ever to reach such a stage along the way – Regragui brought Hamza Igamane into the fold last week.

The Rangers hitman had dreamed of making his Morocco bow this year. And, as he stepped off the bench at the Stade Municipal d’Oujda, Igamane did just that.

Now, a debut goal would have just been greedy. One thing at a time.

Hamza Igamane, in his ten or so minutes on the pitch, didn’t really get much of a chance to showcase his fearsome finishing. Yet, days after Igamane fired a ‘phenomenal’ 88th minute winner past Celtic at Parkhead to cement himself as a Rangers hero, the high-pressing, work rate and obvious technical talents which have made the youngster such a hit in Glasgow were evident.

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Morocco coach Walid Regragui hails Rangers striker Hamza Igamane

Igamane’s sheer presence in the penalty area helped draw the Niger defence across as the time ticked beyond 90. Thus, leaving Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannous free at the back post to head in a dramatic late winner.

He won’t get an assist, of course, but this was a snapshot into the sort of questions he asks of centre-halves.

Rangers’ former AS Far Rabat ace ‘dazzled’ on the training pitch in midweek, according to the local press.

Regragui was a little more guarded in his praise. But he does feel that the future is positively gleaming for a centre-forward who may soon have Youssef En-Nesyri – as well as opposition defenders – glancing nervously over his shoulder.

"Hamza Igamane came on at a difficult moment in the game,” says Regragui, introduced with the score level at 1-1 following an equaliser from PSV Eindhoven ace – and one-time Rangers menace – Ismail Saibari.

“It's his first time with the national team and he showed great motivation. I really like his mindset. He's young and has a bright future ahead of him.”

Igamane felt ‘indescribable joy’ when Morocco call-up arrived

Hamza Igamane has been linked with Sevilla and Marseille this week, his reputation growing not only in Scotland but across the whole of Europe and North Africa to boot.

And while former Rangers playmaker Scott Arfield feels Igamane has ‘a long way to go’ before he can call Alfredo Morelos an equal, fourteen goals, a Premiership hat-trick, a Parkhead winner and a Morocco debut ensures this season has been far greater than the 22-year-old might ever have dared to dream.

"I was busy [as the call-up came]! When I checked my phone, I found a flood of calls and messages from my family and friends congratulating me," he smiles, Igamane joining Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi in the Morocco roster.

"I felt indescribable joy, because every player in the world dreams of representing their country's national team. Now, that dream has come true for me."

"The players welcomed me wonderfully and made me feel like I was part of family. The atmosphere here is perfect, and everything makes me feel comfortable, which helps me adapt quickly.

"We have great players representing Morocco at the best clubs in the world, and this enhances the national team's standing and strengthens the group. We are here to deliver our best performance and achieve results worthy of Morocco.

"I thank everyone who has placed their trust in me, and I promise you that I will do my best to honor the national team jersey and make you happy. Forever Morocco!"