AFC Ajax finally secured its first pre‑season win of the campaign on July 12, edging Cypriot side AEK Larnaca 1‑0 thanks to a late strike from 17‑year‑old forward Abdellah Ouazane.

How did the match unfold?

Ajax dominated possession but chances were scarce in the first half. Returning winger Mika Godts and newcomer Oscar Gloukh provided creativity, yet their shots hit the post or drifted wide. In the second half, Caio Henrique entered as a substitute, receiving limited time to make an impact. It wasn’t until the 85th minute that Ouazane found space inside the sixteen‑meter box and tucked away the decisive goal. The win followed an earlier defeat to Panathinaikos.

Who played and who missed Ajax?

Daley Blind and Sean Steur were absent; Steur recently completed his transfer to Newcastle United. On the bench were Pharell Nash, Anton Gaaei and Davy Klaassen. The second half saw appearances from Mika Godts, Oscar Gloukh, and the young Abdellah Ouazane. Former Ajax man Mike van der Hoorn started as a reserve for the Cypriots and later entered the game.

What does this win mean for Ajax?

The victory gives the squad a much‑needed lift ahead of the Conference League first‑round on July 23 against FK Vojvodina or Ferencváros. It shows that young attackers like Godts and Gloukh can be dangerous, while the defence still needs to adapt to new setups. Ouazane’s performance also signals that the academy can contribute more to the senior side.

What fixtures lie ahead?

After this win, Ajax faces VfL Bochum on July 15 and Olympiakos Piraeus on July 18. These matches are the final tune‑ups before the European campaign begins. The team must improve finishing, as chances remained limited despite the win.

Ajax currently sits 5th in the Eredivisie, 56 pts, 14W‑14D‑6L from 34 games, recent form DLDWW. They have scored 62 goals and conceded 41 (+21 goal difference) this season and sit 28 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven. Striker Kasper Dolberg remains sidelined with injury.

Ajax’s lineup was: Paes (Reverson 60'); Rosa (Gaaei 46'), Bouwman, Baas, Wijndal (Henrique 60'); Regeer (Johnson 60'), Gloukh (Abdalla 60'), Mokio (Klaassen 46'); Berghuis (Nash 46'), Konadu (Ouazane 60'), Godts (Edvardsen 70').