Oussama Assaidi - International Career

International Career

Assaidi was eligible to play for both The Netherlands or Morocco. His first invitation for a senior team came in February 2011, when the national team coach of Morocco, Erik Gerets, called him up for Morocco's friendly match against Niger. Assaidi made his debut in Morocco's 4–0 win over Niger, coming on as a substitute in the 77th minute for Adel Taarabt. However, since it was a friendly, Assaidi was still eligible to play for the Netherlands. He announced on 14 February 2011, that his choice for Morocco was definite. Oussama was called up against for Morocco's qualification match for the 2012 African Cup of Nations against Algeria. The match was played on 27 March 2011. Assaidi came on as a substitute in the 89th minute of the match, meaning that his services on international level became exclusive to Morocco, however he could not prevent his home nation losing 1–0 against the Algerians. Assaidi received another call-up for the 4th group match on 4 June, again facing Algeria, but this time in Marrakech. In a 4–3–3 formation, Assaidi was given a place in the starting line-up on the right wing. Morocco cruised to a 4–0 win, with Assaidi scoring his first international goal as well. The result meant that Morocco would take the lead in the group, giving them a good chance to qualify for the Africa Cup.