Wydad Casablanca’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign began on a difficult note as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday evening, despite a standout performance from South African star Thembinkosi Lorch.
The match, held at Philadelphia’s Etihad Stadium, saw City waste no time asserting their dominance. Just two minutes into the game, Phil Foden capitalised on a defensive lapse, firing home a powerful volley after goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid failed to clear Savinho’s cross effectively.
Lorch Lights Up the First Half
Despite the early setback, Wydad responded with attacking intent, with Thembinkosi Lorch at the heart of their offensive efforts. The former Orlando Pirates playmaker nearly levelled the scores in the 10th minute, latching onto a cross in the box but narrowly missing the target with only Ederson to beat. Moments later, Lorch attempted an audacious long-range effort from his own half that had the Brazilian shot-stopper scrambling.
The South African continued to dazzle the crowd, creating one of Wydad’s best chances of the half on 31 minutes. After beating a defender with a quick turn of pace, Lorch set up fellow countryman Cassius Mailula in the box, but Ederson pulled off a crucial save to deny the equaliser.
City Take Control Before the Break
Wydad’s missed opportunities proved costly as City doubled their lead right before halftime. Belgian winger Jeremy Doku got on the end of a corner and volleyed past Benabid, giving the English champions a comfortable two-goal cushion heading into the break.
The Moroccan side struggled to create clear-cut chances in the second half, and City manager Pep Guardiola used the opportunity to make wholesale changes. Star striker Erling Haaland, midfield general Rodri, and youngster Oscar Bobb came on to replace Foden, Rayan Cherki, and Doku.
Although City couldn’t add a third goal, they finished the match with ten men after Rico Lewis received a straight red card in the 87th minute for a reckless challenge on Samuel Obeng.
What’s Next for Wydad?
Despite the loss, Wydad can take heart from Lorch’s lively display and moments of attacking promise. The Moroccan champions will look to bounce back when they face Italian giants Juventus on Sunday evening in what is now a must-win encounter to keep their Club World Cup hopes alive.
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