April 2, 2021...'A feeling that can't be described' : Abzi Looks back on Canada Debut (from York United FC website)

'A FEELING THAT CAN'T BE DESCRIBED': ABZI LOOKS BACK ON CANADA DEBUT The York United defender
was involved in his country's recent Olympic qualifiers.

Ultimately, there was disappointment for Canada's Under-23 team as they fell short of Olympic
qualification in Guadalajara last month. A 2-0 semi-final defeat to hosts Mexico put paid
to their hopes of reaching Tokyo, but a major positive was the inclusion of a number
of Canadian Premier League players in the squad.

One was York United FC defender Diyaeddine Abzi. And for the 22-year-old left-back, the experience
proved an immensely memorable one. A late addition to Mauro Biello's match-day group, he was
an unused substitute for the side's first three fixtures. But, with eight minutes remaining
against the Mexicans, he got his chance.

A lifelong dream realized: a debut for his country.

"Obviously, we were all disappointed with the result," he says.

"But, to have had the pleasure of making my debut...it was a dream that became a reality. It was
a beautiful atmosphere with a lot of energy. A feeling that can't really be described."

It's been quite a journey for Abzi. A little over two years ago, he was playing with PLSQ (Première
Ligue de soccer du Québec) outfit AS Blainville before he was quickly snapped up by York United
boss Jimmy Brennan ahead of the inaugural CPL season. Since then, he's rapidly developed into
one of the league's exciting, stylish and best-regarded young prospects.

"You can see how much he's developed over a short period of time and is reaping his rewards,"
Brennan said recently.

Abzi is very aware of his rapid ascent and grateful for the opportunities. But, his ambition
runs deep and he has his sights firmly fixed on breaking into John Herdman's senior squad.

"I'm so happy to have had the chance to grow during a short time with the team. I'd like
to especially thank the staff who supported me a lot throughout the camp and both the new
and familiar faces I got to see. I hope to have more chances and get to pull on the red shirt
again with the senior team."

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