Rafik El Arguioui scored his first goal for SC Cambuur on Saturday during their away match against Fortuna Sittard in the second round of the Eredivisie. Starting alongside his compatriot Ismaël Baouf, the Moroccan midfielder was unable to prevent his team’s defeat (3-1).
After falling behind by two goals within just fifteen minutes, Cambuur responded in the 22nd minute. Launched into the box by a through ball from Nicky Souren, El Arguioui displayed composure by delaying his shot before beating Mattijs Branderhorst with a right-footed strike. This marks his first goal since arriving on loan from FC Utrecht, as well as Cambuur’s first goal since their return to the Dutch top flight.
Very active in midfield, the 21-year-old Moroccan played the entire match. He completed 30 of his 33 passes, won six of his nine duels, and continued to create danger in the second half. After scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in 27 matches with Jong FC Utrecht last season, El Arguioui is already off the mark with his new team.
Ismaël Baouf also started at the heart of Cambuur’s defense. The 19-year-old central defender played the full 90 minutes, completing 75 of his 84 passes. He could have equalized in the 68th minute, but his close-range attempt was saved by the Fortuna Sittard goalkeeper. Cambuur generally dominated the match with 64% possession and 19 shots, but failed to convert their chances.
While the score remained 2-1 for a long time, Shiloh ’t Zand sealed Fortuna’s victory in stoppage time (90+5). Despite this second consecutive defeat, the performances of El Arguioui and Baouf provide reasons for optimism ahead of their match against Feyenoord, scheduled for August 23.
