Abdennour Chérif El-Ouazzani began his career as a youngster at MC Oran, where he was coached by his older brother, the former Algerian international Tahar Chérif El-Ouazzani,[1] whom he names as his favourite player.[2] He made his senior debut at the age of 18, playing a quarter of an hour as a substitute in a 1–0 win in the Algerian Cup against USM Alger.[2] JS Kabylie, then Algerian First Division champions, attempted to sign Cherif El Ouazzani in the January 2009 transfer window, but his club refused to sell, considering the player to be a key part of their promotion drive.[3] His performances during the 2008–09 season alongside Abdelmadjid Benatia in defensive midfield made a significant contribution to his club gaining promotion back to the first division.[4][5]