International fixtures opened with notable performances from Real Betis players representing their respective national teams, highlighted by Abde’s return to Morocco’s starting lineup in a 1-0 victory against Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Abde Returns as a Starter for Morocco
Abde featured prominently for Morocco in the opening fixture of their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Operating as a winger, the player returned to action as an essential piece following an injury sustained prior to the World Cup. He played 76 minutes before manager adjustments saw him replaced by Ouazane while the Atlas Lions held a 1-0 advantage. Shortly after his departure, Soufiane Rahimi secured the result with a late strike to seal the win.
Junior Firpo Logs Heavy Minutes for Dominican Republic
In CONCACAF Nations League action, Junior Firpo completed 78 minutes for the Dominican Republic during a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Nicaragua at the Cibao FC stadium. The Dominican side secured the three points courtesy of a decisive goal scored by Pablo Rosario deep into stoppage time, capping off a dramatic encounter for the Caribbean squad.
Angel Ortiz Features for Spain Under-21s
Elsewhere in European qualification, Spain’s Under-21 side fell 2-1 to Finland in a contest where the visitors struggled to find rhythm. Coach David Gordo turned to his bench at halftime, introducing the Real Betis youth product Ángel Ortiz to spark the attack. Ortiz created several scoring opportunities, while teammate Jacobo found the back of the net for Spain. Despite late pressure—including an apparent equalizer by former Betis player Pablo García that was ultimately chalked off for offside—Spain dropped the match but maintains control of its qualifying destiny.
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