Hamza Igamane finds key champion as Rangers star ‘mindset’ praised with Moroccan cynics out in force

Hamza Igamane has been praised for his “mindset” by the Morocco boss in defiance of an underwhelmed national media.

Morocco scraped past Niger 2-1 to maintain their 100 per cent start in World Cup qualifying, with the Rangers striker coming off the bench with 10 minutes to go.

The 22-year-old came on for fellow frontman Youssef En-Nesyri, who featured for Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side knocked out by Gers in the Europa League last-16 earlier this month.

The Atlas Lions got a 91st minute winner through Bilal El Khannouss to complete the comeback against their opponents.

Le 360 in Igamane’s homeland say he was introduced to ‘”breathe new life” into the team, while Lebrief say throwing him on was an attempt to “inject freshness” into the team as they faded.

But after a fairly uneventful cameo where Igamane was concerned, Menara say his involvement ‘did not change much’ about an uninspiring team performance.

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, however, has had unwavering faith in Igamane even before his Old Firm winner against Celtic last weekend.

He was called up prior to his dramatic Parkhead heroics, where he had gone 11 games without a goal for the Glasgow club.

Regragui was impressed by Igamane’s earlier form this season after netting 13 goals for the Ibrox side in all competitions.

And speaking to the media on Saturday, Regragui said: “Hamza Igamane came on at a difficult moment in the game.

“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.”

Morocco’s next match is against Tanzania on Tuesday March 25.

He was called up prior to his dramatic Parkhead heroics, where he had gone 11 games without a goal for the Glasgow club.

Regragui was impressed by Igamane’s