Assahafa.com
Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club (WAC) fell to Manchester City (2-0) in the first fixture of group G of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, held on Wednesday at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium in Philadelphia.
Facing one of the giants of the English Premier League and Europe, WAC were taken by surprise in the 2nd minute by a Phil Foden opener.
The early goal by the Citizens did not hamper the efforts of Amine Benhachem’s men to create goal-scoring opportunities and get back to level terms, mainly thanks to Cassius Mailula and Nordin Amrabat in the 11th minute.
Having gained confidence, Wydad’s players threatened the English club in the 32nd minute when South African Cassius Mailula’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Ederson.
Phil Foden returned to the attack in the 38th minute with a shot brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid, before the Red and Whites’ defense gave in to Manchester City’s offensive pressure and conceded a second goal signed by Jeremy Doku in the 42nd minute, who managed to beat Abdelmounaim Boutouil’s vigilance.
After the break, the Citizens came out on top with a series of forays into the box, but Mehdi Benabid was able to keep them at bay, mainly Jeremy Doku’s shot on target (58th).
The changes made by Amine Benhachem, with the introduction of Mohamed Rayhi, Mickael Malsa, Samuel Obeng and Ismail Moutaraji, failed to revitalize the game for the Red and Whites, who lost momentum in the second half.
Manchester City kept hold of the ball, but without danger to the Wydad defense, which proved more solid in the second half, thanks to goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid, who saved a clear-cut chance from Erling Haaland in the dying minutes of the game (90+3).
The Citizens were reduced to ten men after Rico Lewis was sent off in the 88th minute.
Wydad Casablanca are taking on Juventus of Italy on Sunday for their next fixture, before facing Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates on June 26.
Source: map
